Gen. Otafiire Declares Preference for Fighting Over Begging, Distances Himself from Muhoozi's PLU

Minister of Water and Environment, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has declared his strong stance against living a life of subservience, famously stating, “I would rather die fighting than live begging.” This declaration comes as Otafiire publicly distances himself from the newly formed Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The friction between the two prominent figures within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has intensified following Otafiire’s critical remarks made in Parliament and during a public lecture at Valley University of Science and Technology in Bushenyi. These statements seemingly irked Gen. Muhoozi, who issued a public ultimatum demanding an apology from the veteran politician within three days. Gen. Muhoozi went as far as to label Otafiire a “nuisance” and suggested he should be retired to an “old people’s home.”

While the NRM’s official spokesperson, Emmanuel Dombo, welcomed Otafiire’s calls for dialogue, he refuted any party endorsement of political abductions, attributing such actions to individual perpetrators. The escalating public spat highlights underlying tensions and potential factionalism within the NRM, particularly concerning leadership succession and political direction.

Otafiire’s comments, emphasizing a preference for a dignified struggle over a life of dependency, resonate with his long-standing reputation as a figure who values principled stands. His detachment from the PLU, a group seen by some as a vehicle for Gen. Muhoozi’s political ambitions, signals a potential divergence in political strategies and loyalties.

This episode underscores the complex political landscape within Uganda, where veteran politicians and emerging leaders navigate ideological differences and power dynamics. The exchange serves as a stark reminder of the robust and often confrontational nature of Ugandan politics, particularly within the dominant ruling party.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)