Whenever an African president retires or steps down; or an ex-president passes on as Kenya’s former President Daniel arap Moi did on February 4, there is always an image that Ugandans on social media are sure to circulate.
It’s a photograph of former Tanzanian presidents Hassan Mwinyi, Ben Mkapa, and Jakaya Kikwete, holdings hands with President John Magufuli. They will then make the point that while there have been many presidential goings and comings elsewhere, over the same period, the scene has remained unchanged in Uganda, with the country firmly in the grip of President Yoweri Museveni. In power for 34 years now, Museveni continues to shatter the East African Big Man longevity record. With Moi’s departure, Ugandan wags posted the picture of the Tanzanian former leaders to make the point that the country can look forward to many years of extravagant mourning of their dead ex-rulers and national catharsis, while their Ugandan peers continue to endure dry eyes only.
