Africa needs leadership renewal-Bobi Wine

CHENGETAI ZVAUYA

Ugandan opposition leader, Robert Kyyagulani Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has said the tide is turning Africa as the era of veteran politicians is fading away.

 In  an interview  with the Business Times, on the sidelines of  the MDC  Alliance Congress in Gweru, Wine said he  had  had  been  inspired  by the young generation of  political leaders in Africa  who  are   challenging  the  status quo in their respective countries.

He said the  continent  needed a new crop  of politicians to drive    economic  growth. “I am inspired by Nelson Chamisa of MDC Alliance in Zimbabwe and Julius Malema of South Africa. These two  young politicians  represent the  new  face of politics on the continent,”  said Wine.

He acknowledged the role the  the old generation of rulers  had played to liberate the continent from colonial rule but it was now time for these crop of leaders to pass on the baton and allow the younger generation to take over.   “I  am  facing   political  challenges  in my  home country, Uganda from  President  Yoweri Museveni but  I will continue to  participate in politics as I have  the support of the young people  in  the country and I will  continue  to represent  them in  Parliament,”  said Wine.

He said that he respected the work of former President Robert Mugabe but said his long rule had however spoiled his legacy.

 “I was named Robert by my parents after the legacy of Mugabe. We all know what he did for his country and the continent and also how he destroyed his legacy. We should not allow that to happen again. Young people should take over, now,” he said.

 Wine was guest of honour at the MDC Alliance elective congress.