By George Murumba

3^rd Oct 2011:

Museveni, Mugabe: Birds of the same feather?

In a clear sign that age and fatigue may be finally catching up with them, two of Africa’s longest serving ‘revolutionary rulers’ or psychotic tyrants to their critics, have in the last two weeks checked into medical facilities in the Asian sub-continent for treatment.

Zimbabwe’s 87 year old President Robert Mugabe was reported to have flown to Singapore for a medical check-up, his seventh journey to see doctors this year. “…He went for a review following an eye operation he had earlier on.  He will be back tomorrow (Sunday)”, Zimbabwe’s Information Minister Webster Shamhu told The Standard weekly newspaper.

According leaked US diplomatic cables published by Whistleblower website WikiLeaks, Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, is also suffering from prostate cancer.  The leaked cable alleged that Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono told the then-US ambassador James McGee in 2008 that Mugabe has prostate cancer that has metastasized and “…that will cause his death in three to five years”.

According to Reserve Bank Governor Gono, Mugabe’s doctor also recommended that he [Mugabe] cuts back on his official engagements.   Mugabe has not commented on the WikiLeaks reports but he has in the past scoffed at any suggestions that his health is failing.

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, also believed to be in his 70s [although his handlers protest such suggestion] left the country [with his wife] for India late last month for what State House officials called “a private visit”. The fact that Museveni travelled on board the “official” presidential jet for “a private visit” has however caused controversy.

Since Museveni’s departure, rumours have been awash in Kampala bars and offices that the President checked into an Indian hospital for treatment.  The exact ailments for which he is allegedly being treated however remain unclear since State House denies that the President went to India for treatment.  That has not stopped speculation by some that Museveni is suffering from kidney failure.

Joan Nampiima, a 33 year old lady who said she is a strong admirer of President Museveni told this reporter at Imperial Arcade that she is now very worried about Museveni’s physical and mental health, especially after watching his last interview with NTV over the sugar crisis that is biting the country.

“…Something strange struck me about Museveni at his last NTV interview.  He looked very tired and had this “what the hell” look on his face.  His speech was slurred and he didn’t seem to be consistent, or in control of what he was saying.  The Museveni I have known and admired for 25years wouldn’t have dreamt of saying he would create NRM companies to manage the sale of sugar.  I am very worried”, the Joan said.

Nampiima may indeed have very good reason to worry about Museveni’s mental health because just a few days after his NTV interview where he said he would create NRM companies to distribute sugar, Museveni surprisingly issued a directive from India barring his NRM party officials from engaging in sugar business.  Justice Minister Maj. General Kahinda Otafire, a sugar dealer, however vowed to defy Museveni’s directive.

Are these ailing African rulers now paying the price for overstaying in the high pressured office of President?  You be the judge of that.  END.  Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.