Last week, President Museveni penned a long letter in which he made his position clear on a number of issues, including the controversial mobile money and social media tax. In the letter, the president responded to a number of queries that had been raised especially by social media critics over these taxes.
Before closing off the letter, the president intimated that he would respond to the other queries next time, as he had to rush and handle the mid-year de-worming of his cattle. Yes, his cattle! He insisted that he only ate just 400 gms of beef a week, and the rest was consumed by Kampala people who should be glad they didn’t have to import beef.
This ending statement riled some sections of society who believed the president was taking issues lightly.
Many citizens out there know very little of the President’s other side. TrumpetNews today shines light on the other Museveni, away from public rallies and presidential duties.
Teetotaler- Just Bushera
The president is a sober man. He drinks no alcohol and is known to “loathe” people who consume the bitter. Years ago, the president fired his own brother, General Salim Saleh (Caleb Akandwanaho) from a ministerial job. He gave his reasons for firing his brother as alcoholism. He said Salim Saleh was a drunkard. He believed people who drink alcohol were not good to serve the nation. Museveni likes bushera, milk and amachunda (milk left after extraction of ghee).
Hands on family man
The president might have a very busy schedule, but he does take time off to attend to family. He adores First Lady Janet Museveni and places her first. At the last reading of the current budget, the president walked into Serena Conference centre holding Janet’s hand like a young couple in love. The President also dots on his daughters, his grand children, step siblings and his son. The president has previously said he would not compromise the safety of his family.
Jokeful, humourous and tough
Museveni’s speeches are always laced with jokes. He is also jokeful. Pictures of a fist folding Museveni sparring with a female athlete are all over. The president also made the famous “the mouth is for eating” joke when he discovered that young people were engaged in sexual acts using their mouths. Along with that humour, Museveni is also a tough leader who will not hesitate to rough down behavior he considers inappropraite
Cows, guns and people.
Museveni loves cows. That is his second love after family and country. The president’s latest meetings from last week were held at his Kisozi farm in the presence of thousands of his famed ankole long- horned cattle. Museveni even influenced South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who is a keen farmer to try rear the ankole long horned cattle which is known to have better quality meat and milk.
Museveni loves guns. His favourite AK 47 rifle –Rwitabagomi is the one item he carries around. Stories are told how the gun is always besides his bed, in his official car, nearly everywhere he goes. Museveni has also been the force behind the professionalization of the UPDF which is now one of the most respected armies on the continent. He also makes sure the army has the right guns.
Patriotic and peace loving
Museveni’s love for Uganda started off as early as 1960’s while at Ntare School. In his book- sowing the mustard seed– the president said he loved to debate and was very interested in the direction of Uganda towards independence from the colonialists. At university, the president went down to Mozambique to train with FRONASA, and was a known Pan- Africanist. The president took the risk of heading to Somalia at the time nearly whole world had abandoned Mogadishu. Last week, Museveni mediated in South Sudan’s peace path and brought the warring factions together. He has also given amnesty to rebels and even seen their transformation worked out. With a forgiving heart, Museveni has gone ahead to work with his former enemies.
Hard worker with discipline
Museveni is known to sleep for just about 3 hours everyday. A hard worker who personally takes time to write his own speeches, Museveni also burns the mid night oil reading content to enrich his knowledge. He reads the newspapers and is abreast with all happenings current. The president hits the gym at 5 am most days to keep fit and burn some calories. His is strict on discipline and errant cabinet ministers and military officers have been dropped if he deems them indisciplined.At the burial of former army commander James Kazini, the president said Kazini had died in unfortunate circumstances because of his indiscipline.
Keen listener and talent spotter
President Museveni is a very good listener. With a horde of presidential advisors across major sectors, the president takes time to lend his ear to people and makes the changes. Also, the president has an impeccable memory that remembers nearly everything. The president has a notch for spotting talent, and grooming it. Museveni for example picked and groomed youthful politicians Evely Anite, Kibuule and Nantaba throwing them into responsibilities where they have impressed. Present deputy IGP Muzeyi Sabiiti is also one of those youthful talents that have been spotted and positioned.