Ever since the outspoken ex-combatant and fearless Bush war veteran, General Xaverio Kahinda Otafire, began expressing strong opinions against the Tutsi monarchy heir apparent, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, those in close proximity to President Yoweri Museveni have started genuinely fearing potential consequences for the Internal Affairs minister.
Otafire, known for his unyielding demeanor, has embarked on a solo mission to criticize the anticipated elevation of Museveni’s son to the highest office, even at the evident risk of offending his former Bush war commander.
Time and again, Otafire has challenged Muhoozi to demonstrate any presidential traits beyond being the son of the long-term ruler. Despite the potential backlash from fervent Muhoozi supporters on social media, Otafire has consistently criticized the term “standby generator” coined by the team to suggest their candidate as the most reliable substitute for President Museveni. Without sugarcoating his words, Otafire has bluntly labeled Muhoozi as “a useless rusty generator that cannot even ignite,” asserting that the former Special Forces Commander has a long way to go before fitting into the succession debate.
Employing his characteristic humor, Otafire recently, in a thinly veiled jab at Museveni, questioned the motive behind allowing Muhoozi to ascend to the presidency based on his father’s foundation rather than merit. He expressed concerns that such a precedent might lead to a situation where the son will seek to pass power to his children, creating a cycle of inherited leadership.
In contrast to Otafire’s outspoken stance, other influential figures within the government, who view the situation as an unjust plot, appear to have chosen either to remain silent or subtly oppose it under the guise of supporting Museveni in the upcoming polls. Prominent figures adopting this approach include NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Vice President Jessica Alupo, and SPA Hadijah Namyaalo, among others. While refraining from openly opposing the Muhoozi project, they have cautiously asserted that Museveni remains the viable choice for NRM in the next general elections. In their respective tones, they seem intent on maintaining amicable relationships, perhaps foreseeing the potential need for collaboration in the future.
Information and National Guidance Minister, Christopher Baryomunsi, found himself in the crosshairs of hostile Muhoozi supporters, led by Tamale Mirundi, Balaam Barugahara, and Kasanda county MP Dawudi Kabanda, when he dared to criticize the emerging figure. The verbal attacks coincided with an abrupt health crisis in Kanungu, where the minister was taken to an ill-equipped Kumbuga health centre, surviving death by a narrow margin. The Muhoozi supporters claimed that the Bachwezi spirit sought vengeance for Baryomunsi’s opposition to the ordained heir.
In light of this incident, Baryomunsi appears to have become more cautious, as evident in his recent appearance on the NBS Barometer political talk show. During the show, he was observed strenuously defending the indefensible Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) within NRM, showcasing a more restrained approach in navigating political conversations.
Otafire continues to express his viewpoints, seemingly unaffected by the potential repercussions. Despite his proximity to Museveni and his knowledge of the fate of colleagues like David Sejjusa, Aronda Nyakairima, Nobble Mayombo, James Kazini, among others, who faced consequences for questioning the leader’s wishes, Otafire persists in making his stance clear.
In a surprising turn of events, Museveni appears uncharacteristically silent on Otafire’s outspoken remarks, showing no signs of intending to sanction the controversial general. Otafire’s bold statement, “We fought for democracy and not for monarchs,” resonates with the force of a nuclear weapon, challenging Museveni’s leadership. The question of why Otafire has not faced reprimand or consequences remains unanswered for now.
It appears that Museveni may be biding his time, allowing Otafire to express his views as long as it serves the current leader’s re-election ambitions. The prevailing sentiment is that Museveni desires his son to succeed him, but he envisions this transition happening after he (Museveni) is no longer in the picture. There are indications that family power brokers have been attempting to encourage Museveni to step down and make way for Muhoozi, a proposal the aging leader is not yet willing to accept. Museveni believes he still has unfinished business that could be jeopardized by anyone coming into power prematurely.
Otafire, seemingly unconsciously preaching against Muhoozi while praising Museveni as more capable, is playing the very tune that Museveni enjoys dancing to. As long as Otafire’s stance benefits Museveni, he may be allowed to continue. However, if and when the time comes that Otafire’s statements no longer align with Museveni’s interests, there’s a likelihood of him facing consequences, possibly in a manner similar to what happened to figures like Kayihura or Nyakairima.
It’s crucial to remember that Museveni is known for not forgetting and rarely forgiving. Whispering a reminder to Otafire about this trait might be prudent to avoid any later regrets on his part.
