Three years ago, Amama Mbabazi was so powerful that politicians who sought positions in government asked for his time to earn a chance.
However, this came to change in 2014 when he was summarily sacked by President Museveni who was briefed that his childhood friend harboured intentions of taking over his seat.
Amama went on to contest in the 2016 elections where he got measly votes, before going quiet into private life, until a local tabloid on Sunday alleged that the former powerful minister had been secretly “brought” back into government and was handling “special assignments”
Now, the former Prime Minister has dismissed these media reports suggesting that he has renewed his relationship with high-ranking regime officials ansd was indeed working for government.
Mbabazi and Museveni have known each other and worked closely since the 70’s and Mbabazi was very instrumental in the NRA bush war that ushered Museveni into power in 1986.
Mbabazi at the time he was sacked, was considered as the second most important person in the land, with media calling him “super minister” who had the ear of the president
In fact he was perceived as Museveni’s successor.
After losing the election and falling out with his boss, Mbabazi chose a silent life and rarely appeared in public, or met senior government officials until August 3, 2018 when he hosted the South African President at his residence in Kololo, a high-end Kampala suburb.
The South African leader was accompanying his son Andile Ramaphosa who is hitched to Amama’s niece.
Among the local guests was President Museveni, his comrade-turned foe.
In his speech however, Mbabazi unequivocally dispelled any chances of returning to government, but maintained that his relationship with Museveni would never cease.
The show up of Museveni at Mbabazi’s function to the public was a sign that the two friends had made up, and Mbabazi could be headed back into government.
Speaking to TrumpetNews on Saturday night, Mr. Mbabazi sarcastically questioned which government he could have re-joined.
“Yes, they are saying I am back in government, but which one?” Before sarcastically laughing off the rumours
Known to be one of the cleverest politicians Uganda has had, political observers say Mbabazi’s veiled statement indicated that he cannot join an establishment which is he considered “weak”.
Mbabazi was the secretary general of the ruling party and had control over all grass root structures at his time.
Critics have repeatedly said that Mbabazi created many enemies at the time he was a strong leader in government, a fact many believe could be the reason his former friends don’t look forward to his return.