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In a message dated 10/24/2003 9:37:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes:


  Subj: Museveni Joins Them [Vanguard, Lagos] 
  Date: 10/24/2003 9:37:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time
  From: [log in to unmask]
  To: [log in to unmask]
  Sent from the Internet 



  ++++++++++++
  Museveni Joins Them

  Vanguard (Lagos)

  EDITORIAL
  October 24, 2003
  Posted to the web October 24, 2003


  THERE is no doubt that leadership has its responsibilities. More than that
  it has its ethics. What is pardonable in followership may not be excused in
  leadership.

  The truth is that leadership is judged most times by very high and exacting
  standards.

  Recently Yoweri Museveni, Uganda's President, who started his political life
  as a freedom fighter came in for swipes from critics in his country. He had
  sent abroad both his daughter and daughter-in-law to deliver babies where he
  thought they had the chance of safety.

  The two women were taken aboard the Ugandan President's official plane.

  The Uganda President had not refuted the allegation but what he had rebutted
  had been the cost of the health care to the Uganda tax- payer.

  The President's critics had put the cost at $90,000 US Dollars ( 11,520,000)
  which the President said cost just $27,000 US Dollars ( 3,456,000).

  The President should be wrong. Aviation fuel, cost of crew members and
  hospital bills for the two women should cost more than the published.

  We look at the matter from two perspectives: from the fact that given the
  financial situation of the country it was money that could be very useful
  otherwise.

  But beyond that is the morality of it. How many Ugandans were in that
  situation and did not get the kind of treatment that the President's
  daughter and daughter-in-law got?

  The President made a very indicting statement in attenuation: "When it comes
  to security for myself and my family, there is no compromise." Translated in
  ordinary language, he (President) and his family members matter more than
  the ordinary Ugandans over who he presides; translated, it means he could
  not trust the security of his government; translated, it means he did not
  think much of the quality of medical service of his government.

  We are disappointed about this display of lack of feeling and arrogance on
  the part of Museveni, a man for whom we used to have high regards.

  He, by this act, has joined the legion of African leaders who have excelled
  not by their delivery of much - needed social and economic infrastructure
  but by flamboyance and non-challance. Which is a pity.

  Leaders are supposed to set the tone of concern and morality for the
  followers. What is good for the goose should be good for the gander.

  ===========

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