Museveni's fifth term may be different for Uganda, analyst.

Record ID: 102953

  • Title: Museveni's fifth term may be different for Uganda, analyst.
  • Date: 20th May 2016
  • Summary: ****WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** (SOUNDBITE) (English) UGANDA'S PRESIDENT YOWERI MUSEVENI DELIVERING SPEECH, SAYING: "We had supported the ICC initially thinking that they were serious but there just a bunch of useless people." KAMPALA, UGANDA (MAY 19, 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF BUSY STREETS/ PEOPLE WALKING VARIOUS OF POLITICAL ANALYST, GERALD KAGAMBIRIWE IN HIS OFFICE (SOUNDBITE) (English) POLITICAL ANALYST, GERALD KAGAMBIRIWE, SAYING: "So much as he calls it a bunch of useless people, I still think that there is some usefulness that he sees in it. But I think the bigger message was solidarity for African leaders because we saw an increase in the number of African leaders, for the first time we saw somebody make a statement before the head of State, made his own statement, that was Idriss Derby, the AU Head. We saw the dean of African Presidents Uncle Bob (Mugabe) in presence. So to me, the message was more to the peers than actually to the nationals." KAMPALA, UGANDA (MAY 18, 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF OPPOSITION LEADER KIZZA BESIGYE ARRIVING AT COURTS UNDER TIGHT SECURITY BESIGYE IN DOCK COURT OFFICIAL LOOKING ON BESIGYE SPEAKING IN COURT KAMPALA, UGANDA (MAY 19, 2016) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) POLITICAL ANALYST, GERALD KAGAMBIRIWE, SAYING: "Politically, it's not going to be business as usual, the citizens in this country are more demanding, more exposed, they expect much they are ready to hold the leaders to account so as governments take decisions it should be aware that the population will be demanding accountability at a higher level than ever before." VARIOUS OF PEOPLE AT NEWSPAPER STAND
  • Embargoed: 4th June 2016 12:37
  • Keywords: Elections Kizza Besigye Yoweri Museveni Politics Donors Courts Treason
  • Location: KAMPALA, UGANDA
  • City: KAMPALA, UGANDA
  • Country: Uganda
  • Topics: Government/Politics,Elections/Voting
  • Reuters ID: LVA0024IM3RKN
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:Uganda's veteran president vowed to fight corruption and inefficient bureaucracy as he was sworn in to a fifth term in office last week.
    Museveni was re-elected in February after a disputed vote and protests against his rule.
    Since coming to power in 1986, Museveni is credited with restoring order after years of chaos. But experts say the growing economy has not kept up with a rising population, while critics complain about corruption and a clampdown on dissent.
    Among guests at the inauguration was Sudan's President Omar Hassan al Bashir, who attended despite international warrants from the International Criminal Court seeking his arrest for crimes against humanity.
    "We had supported the ICC initially thinking that they were serious but there just a bunch of useless people," Museveni said in his speech, offending U.S., European Union and Canadian officials in attendance. Some reportedly walked out of the ceremony.
    The comments against the ICC were not the leader's first jab at western donor countries but analysts say they are unlikely to signal any change in foreign policy.
    Uganda relies on foreign aid for about 20 percent of its budget and has in fact worked with the ICC in trying LRA rebels.
    Political analyst, Gerald Kagambiriwe said the anti ICC remarks were more a show of support for fellow African leaders.
    "So much as he calls it a bunch of useless people, I still think that there is some usefulness that he sees in it. But I think the bigger message was solidarity for African leaders because we saw an increase in the number of African leaders, for the first time we saw somebody make a statement before the head of State, made his own statement, that was Idriss Derby, the AU Head. We saw the dean of African Presidents Uncle Bob (Mugabe) in presence. So to me, the message was more to the peers than actually to the nationals," Kagambiriwe said.
    Museveni has also faced criticism over the conduct and treatment of his opponents in the February elections. His main rival Kizza Besigye said the poll was rigged. The government denied the accusations.
    Together with his supporters, Besigye have staged sporadic protests since the vote, leading to clashes with police and dozens of arrests.
    Besigye appeared in court on Wednesday (May 18) and was ordered detained until June 1 on charges of treason after he was accused of unlawfully declaring himself president. He was arrested last week and charged with being sworn in as president in a mock ceremony.
    If found guilty, Besigye could face the death penalty, although Uganda has not carried out an execution in years.
    Kagambiriwe says, if anything, the case could push the government to deliver on promises that would validate another five years of Museveni as president.
    "Politically, it's not going to be business as usual, the citizens in this country are more demanding, more exposed, they expect much, they are ready to hold the leaders to account. As governments take decisions it should be aware that the population will be demanding accountability at a higher level than ever before," he said.
    Museveni is credited with restoring economic and political stability after years of turmoil in the 1970s and 1980s.
    But critics say unemployment, especially among youths, has surged under his rule. They also accuse him of failing to tame rampant corruption.
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