Dr. Simba Ssali Kayunga, a lecturer of political science at Makerere has said that Museveni fears elections and that he would rather fight a war than compete in free and fair elections.

He made the comment yesterday evening during a lecture with political science students, about the challenges faced by political parties in Africa. He noted that most parties including National Resistance Movement (NRM) lack internal democracy.

“I know Museveni can defeat Mbabazi when they compete for presidency, NRM chairpersonship or even secretary general post. I don’t know why he fears elections,” Ssali said.

He substantiated his argument by refereeing to a 2011 incident when Capt. Daudi Ruhinda Maguru filed a case in the High Court challenging Museveni’s election as NRM chairman and party flag-bearer, which irked the president to the extent of threatening to quit NRM.

His comment has come at a time when tension and uncertainty continues skyrocketing in NRM, with former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi planning to challenge Museveni as NRM flag bearer in the 2016 presidential elections.

Mbabazi has however on several occasions denied any intention to challenge his boss.  

Mbabazi was on September 18th, 2014 unceremoniously sacked from the position of prime minister and replaced by Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda. In an interview with BBC focus on Africa programme, President Museveni said that he dropped Mbabazi, because he was involved in “divisive activities that threatened unity” in the NRM.

On 22^nd October, 2014, Mbabazi accepted to take a forced leave bowing to pressure from NRM Central Executive Committee. Commenting on the leave, he said that he had served NRM since 2011 without a break.