Slippin' in Uganda

On the eve of Ugandan elections, I reflect on the disappointment that seems to occur more often than not with populists who rise to power on the promise of democracy. The addictive brew of power transforms these once good leaders into manipulators of democracy.

In Uganda, we have Yoweri Museveni. He has been in power for nearly two decades. He has at times jailed his political opponents, used the military to intimidate his opposition and has made none-too-subtle threats of societal upheaval if he were to be turned out.

In the shadow of Idi Amin, Museveni was a widely admired savior. Now he has become another cult of personality surrounded by and bound to those who use their positions in the government as an avenue to personal enrichment.

The obvious answer seems to be a recognition that mature democracies must have a mechanism by which a peaceful change of leaders occurs after a limited time.

We need more Nelson Mandelas and fewer Robert Mugabes.