By M. Suleman

18^th July 2011: Dear Andrew, I am writing to respond to your article “Uganda Bigger than Museveni, Besigye” which appeared in your own Magazine The Independent of 8^th July 2011.  This article, which is no different from the many you have written, is a classic expose of your sustained efforts to destroy Dr. Besigye.  You are trying to do it by deliberately confusing the public about his role in Ugandan politics.

To begin with, the title of the article has nothing to do with the content. In your article, you do not discuss the question of Uganda being above the individual interests of Museveni and Besigye as one would have expected.  Instead, you labour on bashing Besigye and the opposition.

You claim the opposition has no alternative ideas and you portray Besigye as a fierce and uncompromising Museveni opponent.  You claim that Besigye is not only misleading the opposition struggle but is also a danger to free thought.  You also try to contrast Besigye to not only Museveni, but to yourself; who is supposedly “neutral”, “balanced” and “well informed”.

While you are at liberty to bash Besigye, you also need to be open and not confuse issues in an attempt to make your point.  In your article, you have confused opposition politics to be synonymous with Besigye and the FDC.  You have baptized Besigye and the FDC to be the fiercest opposition to Museveni.

You have continued to allege that the opposition has no ideas, no policies, and no direction.  You continuously suggest that regardless of his mistakes, people should not confront Museveni but sit and discuss with him.  You deem it inappropriate for opposition leaders like Besigye to oppose Museveni.

You need to note however that after the overthrow of Obote II in 1985, the Tito Okello led government realized that the country had shed a lot of blood.  Tito’s government also realised that there was insecurity which was not only holding citizens at ransom, but it was also battering the economy severely.

Although Col. John Ogole’s offensive had already weakened the NRA, for the sake of the nation, the Tito government took a stand to unilaterally lay down their arms and call for a negotiated settlement with Museveni’s NRA and other fighting groups.  This culminated in the signing of the 1985 Peace Accord.

Many Ugandans and well wishers applauded it as a step in the right direction.  Indeed countries like South Africa were later to take similar steps.  Museveni however never gave the accord chance.  He opted for a bloody path.  While the government forces were in peace mode, Museveni launched his offensive and usurped power at lightning speed.

He promised a new constitution.  But instead of doing it in one or two years, he took 10 years to write a constitution which would not only reflected his wishes but also advance his personal political agenda.  Museveni then came up with archaic economic policies like batter trade while undermining the cooperatives and other institutions at the same time.  The RC system was introduced.

From then on, a cross section of Ugandans started opposing Museveni.  These people are so opposed to Museveni to the extent that they have never and do not seem to see anything good in Museveni.  They feel that under Museveni’s watch, the country endured unnecessary civil wars for many years.

Under Museveni’s watch, the constitution has been amended to suit him. Under Museveni’s watch, the economy has been swung from one policy to the other; and that is why it’s on its knees now.  Under Museveni’s watch, the population has become poorer and disillusioned.  Under Museveni’s watch, the country has become more corrupt, divided and tribal strife is now very likely.

Ugandans who hold these views are found all over the political spectrum.  They are not only in FDC as you seem to suggest.  And yes, these Ugandans don’t agree with you and many like you who try to exalt Museveni of blame.  It has nothing to do with Besigye and everything to do with principled political opposition.  Besigye, although fiercely opposed to Museveni, is only one among many.

Many ordinary Ugandans have also demonstrated their fierce opposition to Museveni.  That is why they support people like Lukwago, Semujju Nganda, Namboze, Lukyamuzi and many others.  Andrew, do you really think these ordinary Ugandans have no capacity to think for themselves and then decide who to support or oppose?

In short, Museveni has had fierce and uncompromising opposition from day one.  You keep saying, quite dishonestly in view, that the opposition has no alternative policies.  Andrew, haven’t you ever seen FDC, DP, and UPC manifestos?  What are manifestos if they are not alternative policies for government?  Given the chance, FDC can immediately put in place an effective government that will bring your man Museveni’s record to shame.

You have personal hatred for Besigye.  It’s understandable.  Understandable because your heart and soul has always been with Museveni, Salim Saleh, Muhozi etc!  Keep your heroes.  Ugandans are more concerned about the fate of the nation not about your Salim or Muhozi.  END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.