Reference is made to an article written by Rev. John Ssebalugga Kalimi, an Anglican priest, a Church historian and student of Canon Law, in the Daily Monitor.
In the article, Rev. Ssebalugga posits that the NRM National Chairman, President Yoweri Museveni, is 83 years old as opposed to the 75 years declared recently while he was being nominated to retain the NRM’s party headship and 2021 flag bearer status concurrently.
The tone of the article borders on libel as the author suggests that the NRM National Chairman is deceitful and has consciously acted to conceal his true age whereas he has, over the years, maintained a consistent account of his age.
Rev. Ssabalugga bases his cynical narrative on the fact that NRM National Chairman Museveni could recall certain events around the time he was baptised when he was 3 years old. The cleric believes that at that age no one is mature enough to have recollection of life experiences.
Not only is this close-minded argument erroneous but it also contradicts the Biblical account of Jesus Christ who, at the age 12, challenged schooled religious leaders of the time. Does Rev. Ssebalugga dispute this Biblical account?
It is not to equate Museveni with Jesus Christ but some people gain cognitive abilities faster than others.
Another example is young musician fresh kid, who at the age of 7 had already released hit songs and, interviewed in the media, reasons like a 40 year old.
NRM National Chairman Museveni has always possessed advanced cognitive abilities which have enabled him to play a protracted leadership role from a time peers were busy socialising and wasting away. He has never had reason to be ashamed of his age, as imputed.
The only people who could have realistically disputed Museveni’s account of his age were his parents, Amos Kaguta and Esteri Kokundeka who, unfortunately, are not alive, and yet still, never raised a finger while they still lived. Does Rev. Ssebalugga want to claim to have sired Museveni and therefore, knows him than they did?
Besides, Museveni’s age doesn’t matter for as long he remains physically, mentally and ideologically fit to execute personal and official duties. How many 83 year olds are as agile and lucid as Museveni? Can Rev. Ssebalugga challenge him to a brain game or 40 press-up act?
Moreover, the Constitution was amended to remove the age limit. Whether Museveni is 75 or 83 or 90, he can contest for President and Ugandans will continue appreciating his service and voting him. Why didn’t the man of God come out when the age cap still held?
Rev. Ssebalugga’s hypothesis cannot change facts of history or constitute a serious matter of general inquiry in regard to the governance question in Uganda. It’s a nonstarter concern as this point in time. The issue now should be how everyone, including religious leaders, can back senior citizen Museveni in executing his duties to the satisfaction of all.