First son-in-law Odrek Rwabwogo ‘Disciples’ have now rushed to ruling party’s Vice Chairman Moses Kigongo asking him to initiate debate and discussions on a peaceful transition and succession.
A fortnight ago, Odrek Disciples petitioned NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong to cause an “open discussion on transition within NRM.”
But they say that Todwong has ignored their petition and now want Kigongo to take up the matter.
In September 2021, Odrek Rwabwogo Disciples expressed their support for President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s son-in-law as a potential successor.
Museveni, now aged 77, has ruled Uganda since 1986 when he took power following a five-year bush war.
By the end of his current five-year term, which began in May 2021, President Museveni will have ruled Uganda for four decades, becoming the longest serving president of the east African impoverished nation that earned independence from Britain 59 years ago.
The transition from Museveni has remained a persistent debate as the president continues to overstay in power.
It was therefore not surprising when Odrek Disciples came out to express their support for Museveni’s son-in-law.
The NRM youth group also spoke out on their source of funding.
Now, the Odrek Disciples, led by their chairperson Yosia Mugaaju, want all NRM structures, including the Central Executive Committee (CEC), to start talking about transition from Museveni to a new generation.
“We humbly request you to open and lead a discussion within our party and have cohesion and agreed positon about a democratic and transparent process in our party by identifying the next president,” Mugaaju wrote to Kigongo in their October 19 letter, which is similar to that they had written to Todwong on October 04.
“We have already interacted with so many party members across the country and they are imploring us to stand up for a succession program to commence so that they can be sure of the future.”
The Odrek Disciples further noted that there were many potential Museveni successors who should be identified so that Museveni can orient these as the country plans a smooth transition.
“As a matter of fact, NRM has more than 12 million registered members across the country among them we can identity and position a potential leader who can replace our party chairman. Therefore, we appeal to all CEC members to be involved at all levels because this is the right time since we are not in, campaigns or getting closer to elections. NRM Party should remain active at all times not only during campaigns/elections,” further wrote Odrek Disciples.
“Without bigotry, prejudice and paranoia, our party chairman Gen. Yoweri K. Museveni Tibuhaburwa has genuinely and terrifically done a remarkable and tremendous work to our mighty party NRM and Uganda as a country and we must play our role by giving him confidence by identifying the next leaders within our party as he guides them for a smooth and peaceful transition.”
