Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Is Museveni Bringing the Bad Old Days Back to Uganda?

Is Uganda's president, Yoweri Museveni, desperate to be given a third term in next year's election, going the way of one-time Ugandan despot, Idi Amin, or of Zimbabwe's current president, Robert Mugabe?

It sure looks that way.

One month ago, Museveni's only credible rival for the presidency was arrested on civil charges. Now, proceedings in a military court packed with Museveni henchmen are hearing treason charges against Kizza Besigye. Despots always love to accuse their opponents of treason. It's tough for dead candidates, the victims of firing squads, to take office even if they are elected.

It isn't easy to establish democracies. It requires a rare selflessness in the elected leaders, people willing to establish a precedent for the peaceful transition of executive power. This is why, among many reasons, the United States was blessed to have George Washington as its first president.

Please pray for the safety of Mr. Besigye and all opposition leaders in Uganda. Pray too that God will cause the wills of both Mr. Museveni in Uganda and Mr. Mugabe in Zimbabwe to be open to His counsel and that God will incessantly send His counsel to them. Pray also that governments around the world, particularly those that represent Commonwealth nations, will use their influence not only to spring Mr. Besigye from prison, but Uganda from the tightening grip of despotism.

To read more, see here and here.

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