Museveni: Why I feel embarrassed on behalf of opposition

Incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni says he is disappointed with Uganda’s opposition politicians for pretending not to see the achievements his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has made.

Museveni, in power since 1986 following a five-year bush war, is seeking reelection for another, at the end of which he will have ruled the landlocked East African nation for four decades.

In the poll scheduled for January 14, Museveni will be facing two of his bush war comrades: former army commander Maj Gen (Rtd) Gregg Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) and ex-security minister Lt Gen (Rtd) Henry Kakurugu Tumukunde.

But his main challengers seem to be Patrick Oboi Amuriat of main opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine of National Unity Platform (NUP).

Museveni says his challengers are an embarrassing lot.

The 76-year-old has accused the opposition of making statements and arguments devoid of facts.

“I feel embarrassed on behalf of the opposition. I was in Karamoja sub-region, opened a good hotel, commissioned the road from Soroti to Moroto, and the internet linking Moroto to New York by underground cable,” said Museveni.

“I feel sorry people are there talking but not appreciating facts.”

Whereas his supporters credit him for his role in economic recovery and ensuring peace and security, Museveni’s opponents accuse him of perpetuating corruption and overstaying in power.