Museveni's former teacher on overstaying in power

In the past he met revered leaders; Kwame Nkrumah, Louis Armstrong, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Dr. E.W.B du Bois and Haile Selassie among many. Johnson Grace Maganja sounded him out:

What was your role in the early years of the OAU organization?

I was the head of the youth wing in Uganda. I promoted unity through teaching the youth about working together and respecting each other. I had opportunity of meeting; Dr. K.Nkurumah, Loius Armstong, Malcolm X, N.M.Mandela, Dr. E.W.B du Bois,H.I.M Haile Selassie and Sir Edward Muteesa among the many.

Is the African Union moving in the right direction?

No, they are too weak now! The leaders don’t care. Everybody wants to be a leader. They only put things on paper but don’t want to act.

Is Uganda’s Independence jubilee worth celebrating?

I was about 22 years when Uganda attained her independence from the British. We thought by getting independence we would get everything we wanted. But we have failed. We can’t even make a bicycle or safety pin. Most goods are imported. The present economic situation is so bad.

What could have gone wrong?

The education system is too theoretical. Everybody should go to school but more emphasis should be put on technical institutions.

What’s your take about hero’s Day?

Some people are only recognized after they are dead. I have never been given any medal at all. This is very bad. People who do great things don’t have to be highly educated. Winston Churchill didn’t have any degree, yet he was one of the best politicians in England’s history.

What’s your take on African leaders who stay long in power?

It’s a very bad trend. The Constitution shouldn’t be altered all the time to favour a leader. I don’t want what happened to Nkrumah and Ghadaffi to happen to other leaders. I have tried to meet President Yoweri Museveni; but I was frustrated by some government officials.

The former principal private secretary (PPS) to the President, Amelia Kyambadde, at one time chased me away.

What do you think about the opposition demonstrations?

They should first get permission from the local leaders and the Police. At the gatherings they should educate people instead of rebuking the government.

What is the last word you would tell President Yoweri Museveni, if you met him?

I like him so much; because I taught him in at Ntare when I was a roving lecturer. I don’t want him to stay in power for long. And he shouldn’t say that nobody else has a vision to rule Uganda.

Any future plans?

The Ministry of Education gave me permission. I have now embarked on educating children in schools. I am also going to seek permission from the Police soon so I can start educating the general public.