Uganda’s long serving President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hyped his 30 year military rule, saying the nation had never had freedom until he captured power in 1986 having fought a five- year- war in Luweero jungle.
Museveni scoffed at those who describe him as a dictator, wondering whether autocracy can tolerate such political insults.
The President then said if guaranteeing peace, safety and freedom of expression to the people of Uganda qualifies him to be a dictator, “then I am the best dictator in the whole.”
“I hear people calling me a dictator, Museveni is a dictator, but a dictator who gives everyone freedom, really,” he said.
He made the revelation over the weekend as he updated the nation on the state of security while addressing the media at Entebbe State House.
He highlighted mechanisms his administration is employing to end criminality in the country.
Museven’s second address in a one week, his critics say exuded the regime is panicking for failed to arrest criminals that have killed prominent citizens in the recent past, the latest being a senior police officer ASP Muhammad Kirumira who was gunned down two weeks ago as he returned home in Bulenga.
Kirumira had been a maverick officer who at a time of his death battled several charges in police court.
Some media reports after his demise suggested he was scheduled to meet Museveni.
Kirumira earlier this year, openly called for the prosecution of top police managers including former IGP Kale Kayihura, claiming he was behind the criminals that have infiltrated the Force.
Soon after his explosive verbal attileries, Kayihura was sacked as Police Chief, arrested and prosecuted for similar crimes Kirumira had raised.
The continuous killings have raised questions as to whether government has failed on its mandate of protecting Ugandans and their property.
But Museveni downplayed these sentiments saying the State is still in charge, and “all these pigs will sooner be brought to book.”
Kirumira’s deaths sparked off public outrage with a section of Ugandans alleging that Kayihura could have had a hand whereas he remains in Nairobi receiving treatment.
More reports indicate that the UPDF general had colluded with a ‘neighbouring country’ to intensify insecurity in Uganda.
Asked if he was aware of this plan orchestrated by the ‘neighbouring country’ Museveni responded that the state “will know” if the country is supporting terrorism in Uganda.
Museveni likened this neighbouring country to “jigger” which after penetrating human flesh can be removed without necessarily cutting off the foot.
The foreign media houses on a number of times attack President Museveni branding him a ruthless dictator whose leadership has oppressed the citizens with draconian laws.
Some local opposition politicians have implored foreign countries to remove Museveni from power.