Museveni, Otunnu And the Failed Handshake.

Byline: Norbert Mao

The date was December 20, 2009. President Museveni and ambassador Olara Otunnu were in the same place for the first time since December 17, 1985. This was in Gulu at the consecration of Bishop Johnson Gakumba of the Diocese of Northern Uganda. The two men did not acknowledge each other.

At one point, the two were about three metres apart, but contrary to what the congregation expected, they did not make much eye contact and neither did they shake hands. This handshake that never was has now become the subject of several inches of newsprint.

Otunnu arrived early and we all greeted him. In the same tent was Rwot David Onen Achana II, ministers Hillary Onek, Henry Okello Oryem and Chua MP Okello Okello.

While the service was going on, we heard the Presidential helicopter overhead and in 30 minutes, the President arrived.

Then the time …