editorial
Amid the cynicism surrounding the NRM delegates' conference last month and the subsequent nomination of new party office-bearers, some interesting positives have gone almost unnoticed.
With Amama Mbabazi ousted as secretary general, the new team of office-bearers, subject to approval by the NRM party's National Executive Committee, has two broad characteristics in common.
Justine Kasule Lumumba, Richard Todwong, Rose Namayanja and Dr Kenneth Omona, the secretary general, deputy secretary general, treasurer and deputy treasurer, respectively, are all below 50 years. The entire group also hails from outside western Uganda.
For a political organisation that has long been associated with its now ageing founders and their largely western Uganda roots, this is a significant development.
While there are legitimate concerns as to whether this team will wield real authority, or simply facilitate the domination of the party by its founding chairman, the symbolism can't be ignored.
For 34 years, NRM (first as a guerrilla outfit, then as a Movement and now as a political party) has remained largely in the grip of its founders.
The new team is an attempt to alter that status quo. However, appointing young leaders on its own, or even leaders from outside western Uganda, doesn't guarantee quality leadership and performance.
Some young leaders in influential positions have proven to be a liability to Uganda, while some older leaders in similar positions have performed very well.
Similarly, some leaders hailing from western Uganda have served this country diligently while some from other regions have been a disaster.
The point is, quality is quality regardless of one's age or ethnic origin. To appreciate this point, look no further that Tunisia which has just elected an 88-year-old man as its first democratically-elected president.
Nevertheless, infusion of new, preferably younger blood is good for the long term health of any organization.
A football team that doesn't acquire new players every season, mixing young talent with experience, even after winning the league the previous season, soon finds itself unable to build on its past success.
Long-term health and indeed survival of NRM depends on its ability to reinvent itself through infusion of new blood and reaching out to other regions. What remains to be seen is whether this change is for real and if the top job can benefit as well.