Mwaka Lutukumoi: Museveni hit a jackpot with Balaam appointment

By Emmanuel Mwaka Lutukumoi

OPINION | The Acholi say, "Opuk ma laco ki neno I Mac!" That a male tortoise is seen when on fire!"

President Museveni proved that he is not only wise but loves his Bazukulu and wishes Uganda well.

Balaam Bagaruhara Ateenyi, the legend from Makerere University Flukers' Association (MUFA) to Minister; that’s why his appointment inspires millions.

He is no doubt Museveni's best selection in 40 years.

When I saw President Museveni appoints Dr Balaam State minister, I told my self, "an egg can truly become a cock that wakes us up every morning when hatched."

By appointing Balaam, Museveni sent us a clear message that he is a true grandfather to the Bazukulu. I wish he made a big announcement that he will let our generation be in charge, run for president and that Muhoozi project will comeback later.

People know Balaam as General Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Museveni’s psychopathic. He is known as events promoter. But to think like that beats logic.

When Balaam was awarded a honouray PhD, many rediciculed him. But being factual, he is a wise and educated businessperson. He is one of the richest Ugandans today and a great character.

He developed traits of truth and justice! Forget his discipline. He does not only have what God and Bunyoro bestowed wisdom but educated.

Balaam does not only possess the above traits but did a degree in Bachelor of commerce and marketing but also Masters in Marketing. I am sure many lumpens who joined the National Resistance Movement government to gain wealth must be ridiculing Balaam, I am sure many in opposition too.

But Balaam is one of the key brains behind PLU. he is the vice chairman of PLU in western Uganda. You think he would get that position if dull?

Secondly, he has a five-star hotel project, five radio stations within and abroad. He is one of the few self-made millionaires in Africa. His is we wealth acquired through hard work not stealing of mabaati like we have seen.

I am talking of leaders who sucked and are sucking Uganda dry. We lose more than Shs600 billion yearly in corruption as a country. Some data shows that through institutionalized corruption, Uganda loses more than $300 million.

I think, Ugandans, especially with youth being majority population, are blessed to have rich, young and disciplined yet humble people now in leadership like Balaam.

I remember in 2001 at Makerere University, Balaam and some of us were hustlers. I was a MUFA. I would toil for fees and survival. Thank God Mukasa Mbidde and I were in guild leadership.

It was in 2001 when we fought to boost Balaam's business of supplying the university with foodstuff like beans and posho in halls like University Hall, Mitchell etc.

I am happy because, I was a member of “Makerere University Fluker’s Association" [ MUFA] before I became minister in Mbidde’s guild government, before meeting productive and inspirational Balaam.

Yes, I was a friend of Balaam. When we met Mbidde, Balaam was a very young, honest businessman. Mbidde liked him and was supportive. He would supply the university with foodstuff. Mbidde and I convinced the dean of students for the supply deal.

By the way, even non-students were MUFA members. In MUFA, you got meal cards so you can eat, you can get a hall of residence. Others even access lecture halls.

The Balaam I know developed traits of truth and humility. That made him like his polo shirts. It’s not attraction for cheap popularity, but Balaam is a symbol of humility and the kind of discipline African young people must emulate.

In fact, if the President wants unending leadership legacy, let him declare that in 2026 the next generation must take over through a negotiated transition devoid of kleptocratic mind and power corruption.

General Muhoozi, again congratulations upon becoming our army commander, CDF. IF I were you, I would contrate in building UPDF, I hand my presidential ambition for future and let President Museveni hand Uganda to Ugandans.

When you resign in post Museveni to become president, I will come back home to campaign for you. But now, Ugandans are worried.

Like I said, Balaam exudes smiles not pain. He is on highway of being the best minister. If he can be elected vice president of General Muhoozi in PLU, if he owns more than four radio stations in Uganda, if he can own several hotels in South Sudan and Uganda, including a five-star hotel in Masindi attracting the the President to open in 2022.

If he is elected president the National Federation of Entertainment Promoters in Uganda , then we are blessed. Don't expect the greed we have seen including in Parliament.

Can a billionaire who is humble and disciplined like Balaam Barugahara Atenyi steal stupid?

Thanks God for him.

___________________________________

Mr Mwaka Emmanue Lutukumoi is a former RDC, Lira, Former Democratic Party spokesman and former Acholi Minister for information. He is currently a scholar based on New York, US

lutukumoifoundation.com1@gmail.com