Is it finally time to bid farewell to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Uganda? The current President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has been ruling for 29 years and although there have been many oppositions in the past who have aimed to dethrone him, it seems more than possible that rivals may oust him in the upcoming election in Uganda.
On 9th June 2015, many civic leaders and opposition parties came together to form the Democratic Alliance (DA), in quest of trying to overtake NRM by becoming the leading political party. However, such groupings have previously emerged and were unsuccessful in budging NRM from its place.
Zac Niringiye, a former Bishop of Kampala believes that DA can become the ruling party as they are a more bold and adamant group who believe their unity can bring the much needed change in the country. As for Museveni, Niringiye said, “I do not hate Museveni. I love him because he is a human being. But he is the source of instability and needs to go.”
The political state of Uganda has been a turbulent affair after its independence from the British in 1962. The transition of authority and power has never been smooth in Uganda. Not many can forget the brutal regime and crimes against humanity in Idi Amin's reign during 1971- 1979, which proved detrimental to the economic state of the country.
In 1986, NRM triumphed from an enduring civil war that had started with the dislodgement of Amin 1979. Consequently, the National Resistance Movement became the victorious ruling party and ever since, Museveni has been the President of Uganda.
Yoweri Museveri has been a prominent figure in Uganda and it wouldn't be futile to say that a large percentage of contemporary Ugandans are aware of Museveni being the only leader and they know of no other. However, popularity may not be in his favour as many Ugandans are seeking for change; they are not going by the past achievements of the NRM. Rather, they are looking at the current state of the country, in terms of corruption, jobs and housing, and see what the parties will be able to offer for the betterment of Uganda and its people.
Whether the Ugandans choose to have Museveni as their President, or opt for someone completely new, the fact remains that they strive for change and betterment, and the 2016 election in Uganda seems like a ray of hope.
