With much humility, I take this opportunity to (belatedly, in these pages since the occasion was celebrated last Sunday, September 15) congratulate H.E the President, Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa, on joining the 8th floor-that is, making 80. They say that age is just a number but for our President, that is an understatement. The “big man” shows no sign of slowing down and we really thank God that his mental and general physical health have not betrayed him.
Much has been said about the President’s lifestyle which is punctuated by way of his choices on what he eats, drinks; how he thinks, how he regulates his mood, his legendary composure amidst storms and fitness. If there is anything that could betray his physical state, it’s his work ethic, marked by either not sleeping at all or sleeping “just a wink.” As someone privileged to work close to the “big man”, I marvel at his willpower and the fact that the Museveni of 1986 is very much the one we are celebrating today. Except this time, he is more mature, senior, experienced, tested, tried and trusted as a leader, mentor, father, brother, husband, grandfather, counterpart (in regional and global power spheres).
So many tributes have come in to congratulate the President on joining the “eighth floor.” Knowing President Museveni as a man on a mission with fewer tendencies for grandiose merrymaking and thinking less about himself as an individual in his pursuits, I believe these messages to be from individuals with genuine hearts for the President. They know that in his mind he thinks: “Alive but doing what? That’s what matters.” In some leaderships, citizens are required to say good things about their leaders and wish them “happy birthday” even if they wished them dead. Celebrating a birthday alone is novel, but I know that everything was organised by wellwishers and he was just invited as the “birthday boy”. In the past, few knew the date of his birth because the life of a strugglist is seldom structured around the self. He never marked these days but because of changing times when people even fundraise and holding organising meetings to mark “plus 1”, Ugandans couldn’t leave their beloved leader out in the gallery on this occasion. And his birthdays are always about how far the revolution has come and what remains to be done.
In Nakaseke where the main celebrations were held (there were celebrations in different places), the President dedicated himself more on issues of interest for the common person-such as education, road infrastructure and education- and the transformation agenda which he has advocated from his formative years.
Reading the special pullout magazine “Museveni@80” in Saturday Vision on the eve of the D-day, I realised that Museveni is new yet the same every single day of his life even in the eyes of those so close to him, such as family. They are still mesmerised by his complete yet enigmatic ways such as when Patience was in Ethiopia with his and he gave an “electrifying” talk than earned him a standing ovation from fellow leaders or his sister, Dr. Kajubiri who said he was always wiser than his age even as a youth. There are traits in Museveni that are unchangeable-such as his heart to serve other people without reservation, his farsightedness and focus, firmness in convictions, organisational abilities, profound Godliness amidst the world of the reality of politics, deep understanding of issues before delving into the intricacies of discussion or action and so on. And in all that, he loves Uganda, loves Africa and thinks about the world at large but is also very adaptable to seasons and time frames as CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba noted: “His ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether by shifting political alliances or adjusting policies, has allowed him to firmly steer the ship of state “.
“He has not just talked about the issues, or bottlenecks faced by Uganda, Africa and the world, but has gone out of his way to tackle them and improve the wellbeing of the people,” Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, a longtime friend and senior leader wrote of the President. “..He has been an exemplary leader and the youth should emulate his humanity, hardwork and commitment to the betterment of society.”
The First Lady Maama Janet Museveni wrote: “..Early in his life, he (President Museveni) was always deliberate in what he did, often exhibiting wisdom that belied his youth.” She said she believed that he is a revolutionary under God’s hand. The Nakaseke event was themed around Biblical references since all life, longevity and provision are from God.
President Museveni’s life is a miracle. He went through the furnace and has had uncountable narrow escapes, some of which he has recounted himself in his world famous “Sowing the Mustard Seed” book. Staying in power for 38 years where others (such as Prof. Yusus Lule and QC Godfrey Binaisa) couldn’t last a year, while Idi Amin and Dr. Obote couldn’t make ten years at a time yet the population wasn’t yet as woke as today says something. It’s an assignment with divine timelines to it, rather than an exercise in individual careerism.
Some leaders emerge due to circumstances but when tested against real, emerging issues they buckle under the weight of uncertainty and cowardice, falling off or giving way and using their inherent weaknesses to claim “democrat” status. You can be strong and longserving but fully democratic and benevolent. That’s President Museveni! He is the best leader that we need(ed) in this phase of transformation.
President Museveni considers politics as a means to an end, not an end itself, like many think. That’s why and how he is able to constitute teams to work with through different phases of his revolutionary journey by tapping competences from all walks of life without discrimination. President Museveni is very unique; he is a leader who works with his enemies, appoints them or their family members to positions, and puts them in charge of sensitive posts and programmes. From 1986, his cabinet has always had members from diverse backgrounds such as Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere and Ssebaana Kizito (both deceased). Ssemogerere was later to challenge him for the Presidency in 1996. At present, Mr. Nobert Mao, the President General of DP is in cabinet as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs as well Ms. Betty Amongi of UPC who is the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development. A son of former president Idi Amin, Maj. Gen. Taban Amin, is a deputy director general at Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
It’s with the same lens that the president regards society; all people should contribute something to achieve the collective interest and good. Of what use is tribe, religion, political party membership if it serves to fragment people and expose them to indivisible threats such as poverty and backwardness? Museveni’s policy of all-inclusiveness is divinely inspired to restore full dignity to all humans as we strive to roll back the effects of generational neglect from the blind ages, colonialism and post-independence governance try and error.
Personally, I am humbled by the President’s awareness of national, regional and international historical, current and futuristic affairs on top of depth of knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, cultures and traditions, objectivity of mind and understanding of the great human needs.
Uganda is blessed to have a mature leader for the first time ever. We should make the best of him. Now is the time to hold onto him more tightly than ever before and to drink from his overflowing cup of wisdom. Given his notably bouncy state of health and all-round fitness, I don’t see what those that opposed lifting the “age limit” feared. Some will realise we always had a prophet for a leader when it’s too late. Long live, Your Excellency!
The author is the Deputy Presidential Press Secretary
Contact: faruk.kirunda@statehouse.go.ug
0776980486/0783990861
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