Bookshops defy govt orders on anti-Museveni book
By George Murumba
19th Dec 2011:
The front cover of the book
A number of bookshops in and around the Ugandan capital Kampala have finally braved the ever looming threat of State intimidation, harassment, and possible arrest and decided to stock copies of Portrait of a Despot, a hard-hitting anti-Museveni book written by London based Ugandan Lawyer and Journalist Charles Ochen Okwir.
First launched in London on 14th May 2011, the book has the most vitriolic attacks on President Yoweri Museveni’s 26 year record in power. It also offers broad insights into how modern despots use the law as a tool of political oppression, a fact that the author says, is fully vindicated by the ruling NRM government’s recent arrest and prosecution of ‘walk-to-work’ activists Ingrid Turinawe, Sam Mugumya, and Francis Mwijukye.
“…In Chapter three of the book, [See: A Modern Despot’s Alfa Tool of Oppression] I spent a considerable amount of time talking about how Museveni has used the law as a tool of political oppression. It gives me no satisfaction whatsoever to tell you today that I have been proved right. How can it be right that people who merely decide to ‘walk-to-work’ in protest end up being charged with treason that attracts a death penalty upon conviction.” the author said.
Apart from its vicious attack of President Museveni’s record in power, the book is also, quite sarcastically, dedicated to President Museveni, the very man whose leadership style it attacks most ferociously. “…To General Yoweri K. Museveni whose egregious rule inspired this book”, the dedication reads. It also examines how modern despots like Yoweri Museveni undermine and ultimately usurp all powers that ought to be exercised by State institutions.
Portrait of a Despot is now available for Ugandan based readers to purchase from Makerere University Bookshop, Kyambogo University Bookshop, Matti Bookshop next to Aristoc Bookshop on Kampala road, and from Silkon Book Centre in Mukono which is located on the right hand side of the road from Kampala, just before the Kayunga road junction.
According to the author, other local and international bookshop owners can also order the book from the publisher at a special 40% “Channel Sales” discount by calling a Toll Free telephone number 0800 197 4150 or from publishers website www.authorhouse.co.uk. Members of the general public can also order from the same website, from www.whsmith.co.uk, and from www.waterstones.com. In Kenya, the book can purchased from Bookstop at Yaya Centre in Nairobi.
At the time of its launch, many bookshops in Uganda turned down the opportunity to stock the book, fearing harassment and possible arrest by government security operatives. “…Thank you for informing us. At any other time, we would have stocked your book, but not now. Someone came here and ordered us not to sell your book.” a Sales Assistant at a Kampala bookshop boldly told the author’s agent in Kampala.
It is the same fate that nearly befell Dr Olive Kobusingye’s book ‘The Correct Line’. Mr Vincent Nzaramba, the author of a book called ‘People Power’ that predicted the end of President Museveni’s rule wasn’t that lucky. He was arrested and detained for days by government security agents for his ‘unwelcome’ predictions.
Uganda Correspondent has now secured a licence to serialise parts of Portrait of a Despot for the next three weeks. Don’t miss out! END: Please login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories and anytime mid-week for our news updates.
