President Museveni shares a word with out-going Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi at the NRM Kyankwanzi retreat early this year. PHOTO BY GEOFFREY SSERUYANGE.
If the dropping of Mr Amama Mbabazi from the Prime Minister position results into a bare-knuckle political fight pitying the ruling party’s secretary general against party chairman President Museveni, the implications for the NRM could be dire.
Since the disagreements between the duo became public knowledge about a year ago, President Museveni was seen, or perceived, to avoid contact with Mr Mbabazi. On occasions when their paths met, like at the recent fundraising for the Catholic Church to rebuild the Namugongo Martyrs shrine at Serena Hotel, Mr Museveni seemed to avoid eye contact with his Prime Minister and the handshake was clearly lukewarm.
Sacking Mr Mbabazi, which to many was long in coming given the length of time the futile machinations to get him to denounce his perceived presidential ambitions have taken, should therefore spare Mr Museveni the inconvenience of having to encounter him during Cabinet meetings and other government functions. But this will not spare the President coming face to face with Mr Mbabazi during the key party activities that will dot the coming year as they prepare for the 2016 elections. FULL STORY