Thank you, Sir Richard Kaijuka!

It is a trite but true observation that the dead are not really dead. They live amongst us.

Who would have imagined that twelve years after his death, Eriya Kategaya would show up at Kololo ceremonial grounds, inspire and embolden still-surviving colleagues to be candid with their otherwise derailed comrade, Yoweri Museveni?

Dear reader, many of us would have missed this event entirely had it not been for that viral clip where Sir Richard Kaijuka is emboldened to speak candidly to their power-corrupted comrade. After watching the clip, we started asking questions: where were they?

What event was it? Then we learned quickly that Kategaya’s family and friends had been meeting at Kololo memorialising their friend – arguably one of Uganda’s eminent patriots who also happened to be a close and childhood friend of Yoweri Museveni.

What did Kaijuka say?

An octogenerian himself – I also hear he is a very wealthy man having worked at the World Bank in Washington in his heydays – Sir Richard Kaijuka, in his short comments began by going over their early encounters at Ntare School, and their struggles against bad governance before stretching home with a more important message of the moment: Museveni retirement.

As they say, you save the best for last, Kaijuka did exactly that. As he hit the final stretch of his clearly non-confrontational remarks, he sought to address Yoweri Museveni directly, candidly. His voice quivered a little bit, he seems to stumble.

But quickly recollected himself – Katega “In conclusion,” he started, “My heartfelt prayer and humble request to you his [Kategaya’s] lifelong childhood friend, President Yoweri Museveni – a wish that Eriya himself often expressed – is that you guide the country towards a peaceful and orderly transition of power, as a lasting legacy to the nation you have both served with dedication.”

Notice how Kaijuka starts by mobilising Eriya Kategeya, something like, “these are not necessarily my words or wishes, but your friend’s wishes that he endlessly expressed.”

Of course, the speaker associates himself with these words too. But he had to rhetorically go via a “lifelong,” and “childhood” friend of the man himself. He does not directly ask him to retire, he has done enough (damage?). But, rather, asks him to see a “peaceful and orderly transition,” which actually means, don’t wait to die in office or to be forced out (which presently looks impossible).

But death in office will be equally messy; so, stand aside and let someone else govern the country. You would tell, Sir Richard Kaijuka, 81, himself believes there isn’t much time left for all of them.

They are rich and have access to the best medical facilities in the world, but age has no cure. Kaijuka signals to the fact that they started started discussing transition over 12 years ago when Kategaya was still alive.

We have now become even older and more vulnerable. Indeed, there is an urgent sense of forebodiing in Kaijuka’s comment as he seems to suggest the the next five years – keeping all other factors constant – are unpredictable especially for their advanced age.

There was more coming: “I would also urge you, President Museveni,” Kaijuka continued, “to regularly engage with Eriya Kategaya’s surviving comrades of over 75 years — a remarkable generation whose wealth of experience and unwavering patriotism can offer you honest and invaluable counsel on matters of national importance.”

Kaijuka seem to have noticed a gap in counselling. But he knows Museveni doesn’t really care. He then quickly adds, “These comrades are not seeking jobs or favours, but simply wish to offer sincere, selfless advice in the spirit of safeguarding the values and aspirations for which you all sacrificed.”

At this point, he was like a man possessed. He was now full of confidence. He cut a sterner demeanour, and was rewarded by thunderous applause. This message was music to all in the audience. They are there because Museveni has refused to go, and cannot be forced out, but they all wish he left, their clapping suggested.

Notice how Kaijuka tactfully chides Museveni for (a) surrounding himself with kids, sycophants and dullards as advisors – folks with whom he shares no history. No, it is not just Full Figure or Butcherman, but all of them. Put any name.

“Why not engage your comrades who are not interested in anything but securing the dreams and values that animated us from the very beginning?!” (b) Highlighting the fact that these comrades are over 75 years of age, and “are not looking for jobs or favours,” Kaijuka’s message had become even more pointed: He telling bwana Museveni that “at 82, you should not be looking for a job. You should be content – like all of us – as an elder giving selfless advice and wise counsel.”

As the camera pans to Museveni, you could see his face redenning as he turned uncomfrotably in his seat. But one wonders, what does Museveni really seek to achieve after fourty years as president?

Does he really think Uganda will fold without him?

Give Kaijuka his flowers

Known for his flamboyant personae, from which he gets his “sir-ness,” (of course, and big monies), Sir Richard Kaijuka ought to be commended for his selfless spirit and love for country. Remember he also opposed the removal of term limits. This is consistency.

I am confident he inspired many hitherto unsure 75-year-old comrades to see the greater good for country. Museveni’s decision to hold onto power till death makes him a major laibility to the country he claims to love so much.

But also a liability to his comrades – and their children and grandchildren.

yusufkajura@gmail.com

The author is a political theorist based at Makerere University.