One of the few reasons some Ugandans are hesitant to throw out Museveni:
One also cringes when Moyo embraces the concept of the “benevolent dictator,” arguing that it’s impossible to establish multiparty democracies in undeveloped economies (emphasis added). She seems to forget that African history is littered with messiahs in khaki who turned into corrupt dictators.
It’s hard to argue against her after living in Uganda. Museveni – with his million flaws – has brought some economic development and political stability (well, save up North) to the country. He seems to be the lesser of two evils. Many Ugandans hesitate to elect a new leader, fearing inexperience and even more corruption. However, do Ugandans want to sit back and see the inevitable encroachment of a fat government and its needy public? As of when I left in August 2008, many Kampalans were not yet convinced the main opposition leader was up to the task.
Another option is working with the benevolent dictator. Using international pressure for government reform; assisting in the implementation of civic education in schools teaching qualities of good governance and democracy; equipping the next generation with the leadership skills and education to offer a vocal and educated challenge to the gerontocracy; closing the gap between politicians and the poor. Anyways, these are hardly new ideas. Just ideas that are rarely truly implemented (because of the corrupt benevolent leader).
Another case: Rwanda’s Paul Kagame has established a fairly authoritarian post-genocide state. This (peaceful facade) has enabled him to attract Western donors and start to re-build the broken infrastructure caused by war and corruption. However, unless he begins to address the open wounds of genocide through structural reforms and an (actual) multiparty democratic system, I believe the chances of further violence remain high.