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What next for Mbabazi, NRM
Friend to Foe: Museveni (left) has dropped his long-time political strategist and most recently Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi (right)
Museveni said: “By virtue of the powers vested in the President of the Republic of Uganda by article 108 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, I have with immediate effect, decided to appoint Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda as the new Prime Minister of Uganda.”
The use of ‘immediate effect’ coupled with Museveni’s failure to appoint Mbabazi for an alternative job such as a presidential advisor as he has done for some of his previous prime ministers, suggests the disgrace with which Mbabazi has fallen from the important office.
Besides, Museveni expressed humility by thanking Mbabazi for his contribution to his country.’
In an almost instant reply, Mbabazi alluded to the fall-out when he thanked Museveni for having appointed him to serve in the influential position and in other capacities previously.
Mbabazi added however that he was not retiring from politics saying that: “I will continued to offer my services to my country in whatever capacity I can”
The two recent events including a big welcome party in his home town of Kanungu as well as the prominent display of Mbabazi’s posters at Nambole stadium during the Uganda Vs Guinea match, could have moved Museveni towards a decision he had for long been expected of.
Mbabazi’s sacking has long on the cards as was called for by NRM Members of Parliament who accused Mbabazi of hypocrisy by continuing to serve as leader of government business while he was privately planning to stand against his boss in the 2016 elections.
Mbabazi’s departure has been described by observers as a major loss to Museveni especially in view of executing day-to-day activities of managing affairs of government given the ex-premier’s widely acknowledged good managerial skills as compared to his successor.
Mbabazi’s sacking is expected to heighten the political rivalry between the two men.
As some people have argued, Mbabazi’s sacking will give him ample time to prepare for an all-out campaign against his boss to choose the NRM flag bearer for the 2016 general elections.
Mbabazi however remains the NRM Secretary General and can only be removed by the NRM General Assembly which is not expected to convene until next year to chose the flag bearer.
This means that stopping Mbabazi from moving around the country to meet NRM delegates might be difficult.
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