We continue our series of unusual words that are defining the 2011 election.
Stamina:
Stamina is one of those words you will be tired of if you have been following President Museveni’s rallies. But have you ever taken time to know what he means when he says he still has the stamina? The guy simply means he will rule you until death do you part. Did you know that when he says he has stamina, he means that he has staying power? Look at the synonyms of the word. Seriously! Museveni won’t like you any bit if by any mistake you insinuate that he is old, no. He will ask you where you were when he was fighting. But he is 67, the second oldest candidate in the presidential race and the only Ugandan to be at the mantle of power for 25 years and still want to make 30. Bidandi is the oldest at 73.
Never the less Museveni bought Eddy Kenzo, a local musician, a brand new car for singing a song that above anything else pushes his line – stamina. You won’t miss the smile of the president if this singer gets onto the stage. But that is not all; Museveni has tried all sorts of things to show that he has stamina in the past. When he is not playing football, he will do press-ups in front of cameras. And those who work in government owned media will confirm that you can only refuse to publish or broadcast such coverage if you want to head to the nearest exist. By now you should all have been as blessed as I have been to listen to the famous ‘another rap’ – especially after the NRM dedicated an entire chopper to flying around Kampala playing the rap. Remember, the same man amended the constitution in 2005 to contest for a third term. If such a man tells you he has stamina and you listen, you should prepare to listen forever. After all everyone does – at least those who attend his rallies!
