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In December 2005 meeting with AFP Assistant Secretary Frazer President Kikwete spoke confidently of MUSEVENI
¶7. (C) A/S Frazer praised Tanzania as a model for handing power from leader to leader, in contrast to Uganda,s President Yoweri Museveni. A/S Frazer said that while integration is critical for the economy and that increasing trade among Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is important, it should not be a reason for staying in power. Kikwete agreed that Museveni is making the wrong decision and commented that to die in office and leave people vying for office does a disservice. Kikwete said Ugandans had asked both himself and former president Mkapa for help and that the historicals (a group of people who were with Museveni in the bush) have tried to impress upon Museveni that he is making the wrong decision and that it is better to help make a transition.
¶8. (C) Kikwete described Museveni,s decision to remain in power as his "not opposing those who want him to continue" and offered three reasons for this: to oversee the implementation of Uganda,s comprehensive industrialization strategy; distrust of Sudan,s President Omar Bashir; and the desire to be in power to see East African integration. Kikwete rejected these reasons for staying in power stating that industrialization is a process that may take fifty to one hundred years, asking how Museveni can be the guarantor of the process in another country, and explaining that East African integration will be a long process.
¶9. (C) Kikwete cited Museveni as saying he would stay in office until 2013, and added that Museveni then may move to the East African presidency. However, Kikwete is not sure East Africans will accept him because of his record and his reputation of not caring for the opinions of others. "It,s not a matter of seniority," added Kikwete.
¶10. (C) A/S Frazer said the USG anticipates Uganda may be going through some trouble. Kikwete agreed that Uganda may experience a period of instability and alluded to future violence, saying there is great animosity and both sides have former generals. Though Kikwete hopes there is not another civil war, he described the situation as precarious.
¶7. (C) A/S Frazer praised Tanzania as a model for handing power from leader to leader, in contrast to Uganda,s President Yoweri Museveni. A/S Frazer said that while integration is critical for the economy and that increasing trade among Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is important, it should not be a reason for staying in power. Kikwete agreed that Museveni is making the wrong decision and commented that to die in office and leave people vying for office does a disservice. Kikwete said Ugandans had asked both himself and former president Mkapa for help and that the historicals (a group of people who were with Museveni in the bush) have tried to impress upon Museveni that he is making the wrong decision and that it is better to help make a transition.
¶8. (C) Kikwete described Museveni,s decision to remain in power as his "not opposing those who want him to continue" and offered three reasons for this: to oversee the implementation of Uganda,s comprehensive industrialization strategy; distrust of Sudan,s President Omar Bashir; and the desire to be in power to see East African integration. Kikwete rejected these reasons for staying in power stating that industrialization is a process that may take fifty to one hundred years, asking how Museveni can be the guarantor of the process in another country, and explaining that East African integration will be a long process.
¶9. (C) Kikwete cited Museveni as saying he would stay in office until 2013, and added that Museveni then may move to the East African presidency. However, Kikwete is not sure East Africans will accept him because of his record and his reputation of not caring for the opinions of others. "It,s not a matter of seniority," added Kikwete.
¶10. (C) A/S Frazer said the USG anticipates Uganda may be going through some trouble. Kikwete agreed that Uganda may experience a period of instability and alluded to future violence, saying there is great animosity and both sides have former generals. Though Kikwete hopes there is not another civil war, he described the situation as precarious.