NBS TV news anchor, Samson Kasumba has ridiculed all politicians who believe they can dethrone the current President Museveni through elections. Museveni has held power since 1986, with nearly every important institution in the country under his direct or indirect control.
For the elections, he appoints the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, and many opposition members have long pushed for reform in this area, yet to no avail. Kasumba notes that most politicians who vow to challenge the President often fail to understand the formidable obstacle they face.
It is only when they contend against the system that they come to terms with the monumental challenge ahead of them. They then begin to doubt the feasibility of their promises to their supporters, but by then, it’s too late for them to backtrack.
The journalist wondered if there is a rational person who genuinely believes they can oust Museveni from power through elections. He mentioned that he has never voted for the NRM and last participated in an election nearly 30 years ago.
“Trying to unseat Mr. Museveni changes everyone and soon the reality of what you are up against and the size of it hits you hard! You start to question whether what you promise people is possible but you have to make that promise that it is nonetheless. Is there anyone who seriously believes that Mr. Museveni will “lose” the next election? We can discuss the reasons on a good day when I have had a good meal! By the way I do not even vote NRM. In fact I last voted in 1996 because I do not trust politics myself at all! I am just offering my on objective analysis of the reality as I see it.”
Apparently, various politicians such as Kiiza Besigye and Bobi Wine have disclosed instances of election rigging. Besigye, in fact, contends that he has won three out of the four elections in which he has participated, while Bobi Wine asserts that he legitimately won the 2021 elections.
Despite being fully aware that the system is skewed against them, they continue to take part in elections, providing hope to their supporters. Following the elections, they engage in a few protests, and then everything returns to normal. This pattern is almost anticipated in the upcoming election.
