A Monarchy is a form of government in which power
is embodied in an individual ruling power or the monarch. It is a heredity
political system where people are not allowed to cast a vote for the monarch.
Monarchs use titles such as king, emperor, duke or duchess. They hold the title
for life or until abdication.
There are
two types of monarchy, absolute and constitutional. In a constitutional
monarchy, power is isolated for the monarch in the constitution of the country.
In an absolute monarchy, the royal family has supreme powers and it can
participate in law making.
A
republic is a form of government in which power is held and representatives
they elect. The people can elect someone who represents their interests. The
word republic is used for governments who give people their rights and do not
keep them under authority. Republic follows the constitution and ensures that
the government does not forget the rights of the citizens given for equality.
As
Museveni’s infinite rule continues with current endorsement in the NRM-Kyankwazi
caucus retreat, sensible Ugandan must start to think and look ahead. Which form
of government is Uganda practicing?, where are we heading to?, what will be
impact of Museveni’s rule in Uganda?, etc.
When he
came to power in 1986, no one expected that he could rule Uganda until today.
From 2006 general elections to 2011 and finally 2016 we expected Museveni to
retire but that is not the case, he is still around and around. Maybe he graduated
with a BBA, Bachelor of Business Administration sarcastically termed as a ‘Bachelor
of being around and around.’ This term is mostly used by student at Makerere University
with an intention of demeaning follow colleagues pursuing BBA.
A
magnificent seer would now start analysing dirty tricks that Museveni will
initiate to declare his candidature as NRM sole presidential flag-bearer in
2019 as we will be preparing for 2021 presidential elections. As usual those
with presidential ambitions will be fuming promising heaven and earth to voters
but a gain he will net them un aware like fish. Then what will happen?, those
hopeful presidential ambitions like Mbabazi, Mike Mukula will be forced again to declare their
allegiance to him.
Possibly
agree with me that ‘Musevenism’ ideologies will flourish with politics of
patronage and appeasement policies. He may decide to retire or die in office.
If he retires or when he dies, higher chances are that someone from his family
will take over power. That may be another step of evolution of ‘monarchism’ in
Uganda.
So far
the constitutional relinquishes power to Museveni to solely appoint minister,
diplomats, RDCs, judges, executive directors, etc as kings/ queens do. He indirectly
nominates candidates to stands as NRM-MPs. Supporters of former Bukanga NRM-MP
Nathan Byanyima can testify how Museveni influenced election of Steven Rwakanuma
Kangwagye
as the NRM flag bearers in last year’s by-elections.
Most of the monarchs were often born out of
powerful military leaders like Museveni who fought claiming to liberate fellow
people from oppression. These powerful military commanders transformed their
power into hereditary. For example, Swaziland traces its origin from powerful
leaders such as Ngwane, Sobhuza , etc while Mzilikazi founded Ndebele kingdom,
he was later succeeded by his son Lobengula.
If
Museveni is a noble leader, he won’t have ruled Uganda for all these years!
28yrs and still counting?. How comes that Mandela, Africa’s greatest revolutionary
ruled for just five year or what about
John Kofuor who succeeded militaristic
leader Rawlings. He did what he wanted to for Ghana in 8yrs. How comes that
Museveni hasn’t fulfilled his vision for 28 years.
The author is an
undergraduate Journalism and Communication at Makerere University
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