For close to 35 years in government, Gen Elly Tumwine has never spoken out of tune with President Museveni, his ruling NRM and the army. And when last week the former minister for security boldly urged President Museveni to retire peacefully, he drew plenty of controversy and outrage for his comments.
While handing over office to his successor Maj. Gen Jim Muhwezi, Gen Tumwine who was also dropped as an army representative in parliament, a position he occupied since 1986, said Museveni should listen to advice and retire because if he doesn't, that is a recipe for trouble.
Tumwine's straight talk served as a lightning rod for harsh criticism from within and outside NRM. Some called the general a disgruntled old man who was only speaking out now after he was dropped from cabinet.
In a Twitter exchange, Dr Kizza Besigye, who also broke ranks with Museveni years ago, said other NRM loyalists will also be thrown out if they start questioning Museveni.
"That's the same bus window in which Gen [Henry] Tumukunde also sat, before he was thrown under the bus," Besigye said while commenting on a cartoon, which showed Tumwine stuck under a bus while Gen Jim Muhwezi, his successor, urged the driver to move ahead.
In response, Lt Gen. Henry Tumukunde, who in 2018 was replaced by Tumwine as security minister, said Besigye also occupied a seat on the same bus at one point. He, however, called upon the opposition to welcome anybody who abandons the NRM.
"Being in opposition is not the preserve of one group or individual. We should welcome all that seek change and want the best for our country irrespective of where they once stood/ currently stand," Tumukunde said on Twitter.
In an interview with CBS radio's news segment, Nze nga Bwendaba, Tumwine said that he doesn't mind those mocking him for speaking out about Museveni's retirement. He said unlike Tumukunde and Besigye before him, he has not broken ranks with Museveni.
He said he only wishes Museveni hands over power to another person peacefully.
"It's those who are interested in the negative but that's okay. But those interested in the positive think that what I said was good. I wasn't against anyone; I wasn't attacking anybody because every Ugandan who wants peace would want to see a president handing over to another person peacefully. Who doesn't want that?" Tumwine said.
Gen Elly Tumwine says since he has been dropped as minister & appointed advisor on security, he will advise President Museveni to retire so as save himself from hubris syndrome (intoxicated with power). M7's retirement, he says is important for the stability of #Uganda 📹courtesy pic.twitter.com/BhZf7KktPy
— The Observer (@observerug) June 24, 2021
THE FULL INTERVIEW
What did you mean when you said let the president retire peacefully?
Who doesn't know it? Those who want to understand it, understand it, those who don't want to understand, it's up to them. Who doesn't know that anybody who is working at one point must retire? Who doesn't wish the president well? Who doesn't want our president to retire peacefully?
When do you want him to retire?
When the right time has come; when God says this is the time to retire so that others take over from him. That time must come and it should be peaceful. That is my prayer.
It becomes your prayer after you have been sacked as minister?
No, I have not started now but the handover was the best occasion for me to put out that message.
So, who are you recommending to replace Museveni?
That is not for me but for Ugandans. It's them to elect who will replace him. If there is anybody I want to recommend to him, that's between me and him.
But it seems like many Ugandans didn't take you seriously...
It's those who are interested in the negative, but that's okay. But those interested in the positive think what I said was good. I wasn't against anyone; I wasn't attacking anybody because every Ugandan who wants peace would want to see a president handing over to another person peacefully. Who doesn't want that?
Are there people who appreciated your message?
There are very many...
Your former colleagues who have talked like you before have had it rough...
Their messaging wasn't good; they used to say, he should step down, he should go; where should he go? Are you the one who brought him? But that's not what I said.
But you might end up like them...
Why, I have a good record of supporting my government. I can die for this government; so, don't compare the incomparable.
Some of your former colleagues have mocked you that you only spoke out after having been sacked as a minister...
That word you use, sacking, doesn't apply to me; it's part of your negative propaganda. No one sacked me; and I'm not going anywhere. I'm still here. The president knows my position; he knows my principles; he knows my methods of work. He understands me.
I have been and I'm still his friend. He is my teacher, he's my mentor, he's my leader, here's my hero. He has been a good leader and he will continue to lead us, the only thing I pray for, is for him to retire peacefully.
What kind of leader do you want to replace him?
I want a leader like President Museveni; that's hard anyway.
Some say you guys are thinking of Museveni's son as his replacement...
I'm not saying that, but you will continue saying whatever you want to say; that will not stop Uganda from moving forward.
But if he brings him, would you support him?
Who is bringing him; it's not the president to decide, it's Ugandans. But don't divert me from what we have been talking about to go into things that are irrelevant.
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