By Nasser Kasozi
Reservations aside, London based Ugandan scholar Prof.Yash Tandon has intimated that he thinks 30 years are enough for President Yoweri Museveni. He made these remarks while launching his Common People’s Uganda book at Hotel Africana today.
Earlier, Tandon had warned masses against crucifying leaders saying instead systems largely inherited from colonial masters were to blame.
“We see that we very quickly jump from description to prescription, no diagnosis…. So please don’t target those leaders, Museveni is a product of that system. He is not even in control of the economy”, he cautions.As such, he advocated for unity which he said was vital in solving Uganda’s problems.
“The policies we make are not ours. We get money from outside aid which comes with conditionality’s, structural adjustment policies. We do not have control over our economy and our society”, he adds.
However in a twist of events, he said that he personally feels 30 years is enough for Museveni.
Besides that, he pointed out that he does not support the idea of ruling citizens through fear.
Biography
Born Yashpal Tandon 80 years ago in Kaberamaido, he spent most of his time in Moroto where his father ran a string of businesses. Regarding his education, he graduated from the London school of economics with a degree in economics and international relations. Later,taught at Makerere University from 1964 – 1972 and left following the expulsion of Asians by President Idi Amin.
Subsequently, he started teaching at University of Dar es Salaam where he linked up with liberation groups and participated in the Moshi conference which gave birth to the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF).
Together with the likes of Professors Omwony Ojok (rip), Edward Rugumayo and Dan Wadada Nabudere (rip) they formed the gang of four. In April 1980, the UNLF government was overthrown and Tandon fled to exile inZimbabwe where he lived for 25 years.
Apparently, he has retired to his home in Oxford-United Kingdom.
