Weakened Bukenya Museveni’s best VP – Minister
By Sharon S. Tibenda
18th Oct 2010
Weakened VP?
Vice President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya would retain his job if President Museveni wins the 2011 elections, a junior State Minister has predicted.
Speaking to Uganda Correspondent at Kampala Serena Hotel on condition of anonymity, the youthful but influential State Minister in one of the most powerful ministries in Uganda said Museveni was “quietly happy” with Bukenya’s humiliation in the race for the powerful position of NRM Secretary General. Museveni, like any other astute but opportunistic political strategist, the Minister said, would never be comfortable with a powerful deputy who is fit and ready to take over the presidency against his personal wish.
“Mzee [meaning Museveni] is a seasoned politician. Let’s be honest. Most astute and opportunistic political strategist wouldn’t want men with real power to deputise them. Bukenya was beginning to show those signs but luckily our primaries trimmed him back to size”, the Minister said.
Now that “…Bukenya’s political weight-less-ness has been laid bare for all his Baganda supporters to see”, the Minister said, he is likely to retain his job as a symbolic Vice President “…if Mzee wins the 2011 elections. I know he will”, the Minister hastily added to underscore his confidence in Museveni’s popularity.
For the supporting precedent, the Minister confidently pointed out that with the exception of Museveni’s first post Luwero war Vice President the late Dr. Samson Kiseka, the rest have merely been symbolic figures with no real prospects of ever taking over.
“Do you seriously think madam Kazibwe was a real VP? Of course not! She was there for the symbolism and legitimacy that her presence lent to our government. Nothing more, nothing less”, the Minister said.
The Minister also said if his prediction is looked at in the reverse, then the only logical conclusion would be that Security Minister Amama Mbabazi stands no chance of ever being appointed Vice President in Museveni’s government.
“Mbabazi is a very ambitious and powerful man. He also has a big following within the security services. But I can assure you that is where it will end. Mzee will never make a man like Mbabazi VP”, the Minister said with a disapproving grin on his face as he reached for his glass of red wine; a move that signalled the end of the interview. END. If it’s Monday, it’s Uganda Correspondent. Never miss out again!
