In case there was any doubt to a conflict existing within Uganda’s first family, recent social media activity from a prominent family member has all but confirmed the existing media ramblings about a dispute breaking out within the NRM status quo.
Odrek Rwabwogo, husband of Patience Rwabwogo, a daughter to H.E Gen. Yoweri Museveni, released another dossier on a Whatsapp Group called PRO M7 YOUTH, publicly targeting his father-in-law and his fellow ‘old’ politicians within the ruling party NRM. He blames NRM and its leader for clinging onto power which has hindered Uganda’s economic and structural development.
“For all those who have kept these old politicians in power, you need to be very careful and consider what future you want for your party. Take a moment and reflect on NRM’s current situation,” Odrek warned.
He further noted, “These old men will leave with the party as soon as their time is up. What will we as the youth remain with?”
Rwabwogo said all this in a reply to self-styled government critic and former spy Charles Rwomushana, with whom he has been having a week long social media outburst. Rwomushana accused Rwabwogo for having been a puppet in the destruction of Brig. Matayo Kyaligonza, one of President Museveni’s once most trusted ‘bush fighters’.
President Museveni during an NRM CEC meeting rubbished Rwabwogo’s political aspirations as fit for an LC chairman but not among the top flight positions in the ruling party. This did not go down well with Rwabwogo.
Relates Museveni to Militon Obote
Rwabwogo states that the habit of exalting the president with good PR and songs like ‘Tubonga Nawe’ is not new within the political circles as it has been a common practice in Africa for decades. He named former President Milton Obote as among the many African leaders whose names and legacies were praised but their governments did not last that long.
“You are the ones turning these leaders into dictators and tyrants. You treat them as demi-gods; making them believe that without them Uganda cannot flourish,” Rwabwogo stated.
He further said that many are clinging to power using the First Family and friendship ties as the major reason. Urging all the NRM youth to find a solution to this problem before it gets out of hand.
Why Rwabwogo is angry with Museveni
The tensions began with Odrek Rwabwogo’s desire to assume the Vice Chairman position within the ruling party NRM. This particular post was also contended over by Brig. Matayo Kyaligonza and Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, prominent cadres within the party.
With the help of Minister without Portfolio, Haji Abdul Nadduli, the two stormed the President’s office contending Rwabogo’s political aspirations were fuelled by his father- in-law.
Museveni denied the allegations and in response held talks with Rwabwogo to discuss his decision to run for a higher position within the party yet he lacked political experience equivalent to LC Chairman status.
The NRM chairman decided to cancel Rwabwogo’s nomination application, an action that was not taken lightly by Patience Rwabwogo, the President’s daughter and wife to Odrek Rwabwogo. In protest, Patience did not escort her father while taking back his nomination forms to the NRM secretariat at Kyadondo.
The political corridors have it that Rwabwogo’s political aspirations were actually fuelled by the First Lady Janet Museveni and not the President.
Museveni said, “I know Rwabwogo is a husband to my daughter and he is my son-in-law, but NRM is not a family entity. He has never been an LC1 Chairman, who will accept him as NRM Vice Chairman? I will not accept that to happen.”
“We created posts and leadership for the youth. What does Rwabwogo know about NRM for him to be the Vice Chairman of the party? That is impractical.” That is what the President said during a CEC meeting in which he dismissed his son-in-law’s political aspirations.
Patience sticks it to father
According to the post on PRO M7 YOUTH Whatsapp group, Patience blamed her father for interfering in her husband’s political career and their marriage.
“According to the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and the NRM, my husband has the right to aspire for any political position. There is no clause in the constitution that requires Rwabwogo to first ask for permission from his father-in-law,” said Patience.
She further said, “Why does my father collaborate with CEC to shame my husband to that extent? How come my own father did not tell me or my husband before convening a meeting to stop him from standing? It is unlawful and we shall not accept it.”
READ: Museveni daughter’s death would be ‘a big celebration’ – Rwomushana
Patience is reported to have questioned the ability of the bush war regime to continue leading the country. She strongly believes that it is time for the youth to lead the NRM and the country.
“Before my father decided to shame my husband, he should have first thought about the future of the party.” said a very bitter Patience
“We would also like to serve our party and the time is now, so that the future can judge us well.” she added.
“Father and his fellow Bushmen should tell us why Rwabwogo is not fit to stand as the Vice Chairman of the party. Let the quote one clause in the constitution that stops him from aspiring. In the name of Jesus, I wish my husband luck as he vote hunts in Eastern Uganda.” said the first daughter.
On realising that the dust will not settle over this matter, Museveni invited Rwabwogo for a sit down and handed him other assignments to help him get over the matter.
READ: Odrek Rwabogo speaks out about Museveni daughter death rumors
