Succession still a thorn in our flesh
by Solomon Warambwa, New Vision.
Aug 30, 2005 (Kampala) — Article II of the Constitution should read, ‘For an organisation to be registered as a political party, it should present to the registrar general among others: A list (queue) of possible successors to the chairmanship of the party agreed upon and signed by
This would have gone a long way in saving us from Africa’s worst curse. Succession has for centuries ignited wars, split tribes, caused genocide, effected mass immigrations, among others.
President Benjamin Mkapa’s visit and subsequent retirement couldn’t have come at a better time for Uganda. Sycophants of the life presidency have picked a leaf from that and must be wondering what the heck they have been up to.
Tanzania’s stability is not because of a national language or strong army, it is solely dependent on the hope for adjustment with change in the presidency. Hope for the better is what keeps everyone going on even in the most despondent situations. The hope for change of leadership in the predictable future is enough for those with descenting views and ideas to wait for their turn without resorting to threats or violence.
An organisation whether political, business, corporate, even the Mother’s Union, without a provision for succession, formal or informal, is bound to crumble, as this is the sole indication of continuity of vision.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army(SPLA) did not appear to have this problem with the death of Garang because guerrilla groups are more conscious of mortality during times of war than overzealous sycophants at peaceful times. There has to be a ‘queue’ known to those who should know to avoid chaos.
Ironically, the SPLA would have suffered the sycophancy bug had Garang lived to see many more years.
The National Resistance Army(NRA) must have had a ‘queue’ which was alluded to by Amama Mbabazi when Dr. Besigye first shot into the limelight. The LRA had one since the captured Brig. Banya was No. 003. Both groups, however, have of late seen old comrades part ways in form of resignations in the case of the NRM and surrender for the LRA.
In the case of the LRA, being an active fighting group, the foresighted members should have envisioned the possible capture or fatal wounding of No. 001 so that they could take over the mantle and may be even cut a lucrative deal with government. But all 001 seems to lose over the years has been his numerous wives and Kaunda suit. In other words Kony has proved himself to be almost immortal, the patience of those in the line has worn out and therefore the surrender or cutting a dirty deal seems to be the only option.
As for the NRM, the chairman and current president hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down with age. His state of health has been so ‘well’ managed that to an average Ugandan, we have a president who has never even caught the flu in the last 19 years! He has therefore taken on an almost immortal stature.
Those in the queue don’t see their turn coming in the foreseeable future; it is therefore time to abandon ship (The Yellow Bus) and set up camp elsewhere. Perhaps one may get lucky and be the first on that queue of FDC or whatever else is out there.
The writer is a Ugandan