Lessons For Africa From Uganda Election

President Museveni  has probably been re-installed as the president of Uganda,putting his rule at the second longest in Africa behind only Libya's Gaddaffi.By and large the plebiscite was marred with widespread  rigging or what the most conspicuous contender might call massive  'voter buying'

For us in Africa who want to be honest,the outcome was expected.Dr Besigye was the main competitor in the  presidential race,which is not something new.Museveni warned against protests ,this is also in a sense yesterday's news in Uganda.But aside from these there were strange developments in this election,among them the victory of the incumbent in opposition strongholds,  and  general peace in the process.Besigye can also clap hands for his former employer for not  finding himself in hospital this time round.

Analysts have already  pointed at  the apparent   lack of strategy on the part of opposition as their major Achilles heel.This is possible,but Museveni's advance scheme to steal the victory is probable.  In the run-up to the polls,Museveni exuded a  rare sort of confidence which raised eyebrows among thoughtful Ugandans and others elsewhere as his popularity was already taking a hit..His victory in  areas that the opposition commanded a considerable following can  easily  pass for the irony of the century  too.

Will Museveni run for president in the next election?Yes,and he is going to comfortably secure another term in office  if the opposition doe not regroup creatively.I want to look at it this way because we black Africans love power albeit slightly less than Arab-Africans.Tell me:who has ever won an election fairly here?Very few.Almost all presidents in this continent are illegitimate.This is not to say there are none elsewhere,but our elections are shockingly ironical.

Uganda might dislodge Museveni thus:change institutions.But who is going to do that  job when Museveni has made Uganda almost a kingdom?Well,its difficult but considering recent examples,it is very possible.I agree,Uganda needs a president with a military background.But Museveni's tenure has gone beyond what can be endured.This is unacceptable ,even if the people wanted him to stay.

To the rest of Africa Uganda should serve to remind us that  our  leaders will not give up power.We should force them to do so.