Edris Kiggundu

The first way is money from NRM supporters in Government, like ministers, permanent secretaries, and directors in ministries, among others. Some of these are disillusioned by the direction of things and believe a few in opposition can change things. Others want these members of parliament (MP) to go soft on them when they interface with parliamentary committees such as the public accounts committee (PAC) and the committee on commissions, statutory authorities, and state enterprises (COSASE) among others.

The second category includes NRM-leaning wealthy businessmen such as Hassan Basajjabalaba. These have long funded opposition MPs to help push their agenda in Parliament (remember the Nakasero MKT saga?)

The third channel comprises special operatives such as the brother of President Museveni and Operation Wealth Creation Coordinator, Gen. Salim Saleh; former Police Chief, Gen. Kale Kayihura; and officials in intelligence circles.

When Gen. Sejusa was Coordinator of Intelligence Services, he virtually had all the "noisy" opposition youths in his pockets thanks to state money.

These use money as a tool to buy off competition and clear Museveni's path. So, to the best of my recollection, there is no opposition bigwig in Uganda who has never received money from at least one of the three categories.

This is because Museveni has maintained a tight grip on financial resources in relation to political competition and ensured that he and those connected to him remain the only source of money. He has frustrated internal and foreign donors that no political player in the country can get funding from them.

Five-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye was honest yesterday during a press conference he hosted at his office on Katonga Road in Kampala when he conceded that money connected to the NRM has always fueled the opposition. In fact, he said he received some of this money indirectly. As long as Museveni remains in power, he is going to continue using money to disorganise, weaken, and control the opposition.

Museveni has maintained a tight grip on financial resources

Opinion: Every opposition bigwig has ever received money from NRM

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Edris Kiggundu

Articles written by the author

Opinion: Every opposition bigwig has ever received money from NRM