The latest intake of MPs from Museveni’s party is causing ructions over oil and corruption as jockeying starts for the presidential succession.
A group of truculent members of parliament in the governing National Resistance Movement has forced ministers to resign and is obliging President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to contemplate sacking most of his cabinet. This is unlikely to include his near untouchable comrade-in-arms, Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi. In the absence of effective constitutional opposition, the NRM has become the most important check on President Museveni’s government. The young MPs are joining forces with some senior party members to challenge Museveni’s policies and his appointments.
Museveni’s authority is being challenged as never before. A year after his overwhelming election victory, he is said to be planning a fresh start to placate the troublesome MPs. The NRM rebels’ willingness to confront their leader goes beyond the usual jockeying for position. Over 60% of MPs are newcomers who won their seats in the elections in February 2011. They believe they have the right to be heard after winning competitive and expensive primary elections for NRM candidacies. There is a more assertive mood in the political class. Politicians and activists argue heatedly over the government’s management of the oil sector.
Africa Confidential
Assinar:
Postar comentários (Atom)
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário