By NANGAYI GUYSON

Kampala, Uganda – Uganda’s Former Security Minister and now Presidential advisor on security Gen Elly Tumwine said President Museveni is suffering from Hubris syndrome and that he will use his office to advise him to prepare the country for a peaceful transition of power.

Gen Tumwine, an unusual source of such a message, was passing over the Security Ministership to fellow warrior Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi.

“I am delighted to be giving over to Maj. Gen. Muhwezi, an old friend and comrade.

“I pledge my undivided attention to you as you carry out your official obligations at the Ministry,” Gen Tumwine added.

“As I begin my new advising role, I will encourage President Museveni to plan for a seamless transfer of power in order to ensure our country's long-term stability,” he added.

It was a day for talking about changes, as Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi commended his predecessor, Gen Tumwine, for ensuring a seamless power transition in the ministry.

“I appreciate Gen. Tumwine, my friend and senior comrade, for a smooth handover.

Because I am not new to this ministry, I will work with the personnel to promote stability and unity in our country,' said Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi.

Gen Tumwine is a bush war hero who fought alongside President Yoweri Museveni and is still alive.

At the height of the previous presidential election, Gen Tumwine warned that if Bobi Wine protestors did not obey, they would be shot “rightly” by police.

“If you reach a particular degree of violence, police have the right to fire and kill you.

Is it okay if I say it again?

The police have the authority to shoot you and you will die for no reason.... do it at your own risk,” he warned.

While holding the bigger end of the stick, the five-star General who was the first person to fire a bullet in the 1986 Museveni bushwar has been advocating for the regime's expansion.

Gen Tumwine justified the raid on parliament by armed men thought to be from Special Forces Command during the discussion to remove the age limit from the constitution and give Museveni another chance to run the country.

“How far does the immunity act allow a member of parliament to shatter doors, damage parliament property, or threaten to kill someone?”

“How far does immunity extend?” General Tumwine stated.

“I've never seen the Speaker put to the test and strained to the extent you did.

I had never before experienced that even security forces, who are not necessarily victims of excitement, provocation, and political missteps, are now victims and being questioned.

He went on to say, "What did you fight for?"

Gen Tumwine was involved in yet another brawl at Parliament in July 2019, when he allegedly drew a gun on Dokolo Woman MP Cecilia Ogwal.

After the accusers failed to produce evidence, Gen Tumwine was allowed off the hook. During the debate, however, he was accused of disrespecting parliament when he purportedly asserted that the Speaker had no authority outside of the chambers.

The charge leveled by Bukhonzo West County MP Atkins Katushabe did not last long either, as it was dismissed due to a lack of proof.

General Tumwine has had numerous run-ins while attempting to protect the 1986 cadres' continued hold on power, and during one of the past presidential campaigns, he was caught on tape performing a song nicknamed "sisi tuko tayari" (we are ready).

This came amid protests against President Museveni's current regime.

Tumwine was threatening to crush anyone who threatened the establishment with force in the song.

Dr Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and bushwar colleague, responded to Gen Tumwine's views on power transition by saying that the former is "30 years late." “It's 30 years late; even so, your "new role" might be over! That is why...,” Besigye explained.

President Museveni’ who has ruled this East African Nation for now close 4 decades doesn’t want to hear about  succession talk  but being 76 of age now, it’s widely been speculated that the President could opt to retire at the expiry of the current term as he will be 81 in 2026.

As such, a debate on who will be the man or woman to reign in Museveni’s place after four decades will certainly be raging on until 2026.

Museveni's whole reign, though, has been marked by constant worry about who would succeed him when he decides to step down.

Several significant names have emerged in the process over the years, with former Vice President Dr. Samson Kiseka (RIP) being the first likely contender for the seat.

Former Vice Presidents Specioza Kazibwe and Gilbert Balibaseka Bukenya, former Prime Ministers Apolo Nsibambi and John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, and former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga are among those who have been mentioned.

Many hopefuls have died in the waiting or have fallen out with the authorities after realizing that their dream of succeeding President Museveni is not realistic. 

Prof. Bukenya and former Prime Minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi are among those who have suffered Museveni's wrath, with the former finding up in Luzira after openly stating his intention to challenge his boss in 2005.

He was kicked out of the government and attempted to run for President, but backed out after becoming angry with the opposition's lack of trust in him.

With the declaration that he will run for President in the 2016 general elections, Amama Mbabazi's story altered. He was perhaps the most powerful man in the ruling National Resistance Movement after Museveni, holding the two powerful roles of Prime Minister and Party Secretary General.

Before being soundly defeated in the polls, he lost the positions of Prime Minister and Secretary General.