By Edgar Barigye Kugonza
A friend and staunch DP supporter a few years ago shared with me his intriguing voting strategy. He revealed that he casts two votes: one for his party’s parliamentary candidate and the other for President Museveni, regardless of the latter’s party affiliation. When I asked for his reasoning, he praised President Museveni as a transformative leader who has reshaped Uganda’s future.
This conversation made me realize that contrary to what ideologically disoriented Opposition normally sings after elections “Omusajja abbye akalulu”. The bitter truth is that President Museveni’s appeal transcends party lines, earning him votes from diverse political backgrounds. He is indeed a president of a unique calibre, and his successor will face significant challenges in maintaining the status quo and living up to his legacy if he or she doesn’t authentically receive that mantle and spectacles that have made this Ruhemba Ogwenjura a darling to many Ugandans regardless of their political affiliations.
The recent flurry of succession debates and social media mudslinging has led me to reflect on President Museveni’s wise approach to communication. He has consistently demonstrated a discerning silence, only speaking when absolutely necessary, and avoiding entanglement in petty or premature issues. This strategic reserve has earned him a reputation as a man of solutions, who sees, listens, and plans before acting. President Museveni understands that a nation cannot be governed by hearsay, social media-driven rumours or with a helmet of anger on the head. He knows that not every issue warrants his attention or response.
Aspiring successors would do well to learn from his example. They must calm their eagerness, emulate his ideology and lifestyle, and strive to understand the NRM’s enduring legacy. For it is impossible to grasp Museveni’s leadership without comprehending the NRM’s 35-year tenure and its continued dominance. Only then can one hope to fill his shoes and lead Uganda forward.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) many Ugandans (me inclusive) are still dying for, they have seen it undergoing through three distinct phases since its inception: liberation, reconstruction, and development. Understanding these phases is crucial to grasping the NRM government’s trajectory. So, to me, I think if the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) or any other team with a good developmental manifesto is to succeed as a viable, ideologically-driven alternative, it must focus on a comprehensive approach to succeed.
This comprehensive approach should visionary entail consolidating the gains made by NRM, building upon existing foundations, and implementing a robust innovation program to drive progress and modernization. Furthermore, whether PLU or another team, must foster steady regional relationships, prioritizing pan-Africanism and navigating complex international politics with finesse, to propel Uganda forward and usher in a new era of prosperity and growth.
It is crucial that we avoid a return to the dark days of political uncertainty in Uganda, where decision-making was hijacked by hooligans and immature leaders, manipulated by foreign interests. To prevent this, it is essential to educate those who did not live through that era and remind those who have forgotten, due to the peace and stability that has characterized Uganda since 1986. When the NRM assumed power, the country was in shambles – ravaged by political instability, economic devastation, and social collapse. We must learn from this history to ensure that Uganda continues on a path of progress and prosperity, rather than regressing into chaos and instability.
First and foremost those of you, who are not yet corrupted by the confusion and lies of Opposition which are being freely peddled through the ticket of freedom of speech, will recall that by 1986, Uganda’s economy was on the brink of collapse, with a GDP per capita of around $200. Inflation soared to 200%, and the country relied heavily on foreign aid to survive. The economic situation was dire, with widespread poverty and limited access to basic services.
The country’s infrastructure was in shambles. Roads, bridges, and buildings were destroyed or dilapidated, making transportation and communication a nightmare. The once-thriving industrial sector was collapsing, with key industries like textiles, sugar, and coffee production grinding to a halt.
Healthcare and education systems were severely weakened, with limited access to basic services. Hospitals lacked essential medicines and equipment, while schools struggled with inadequate resources and trained teachers.
Uganda was plagued by violence, with multiple armed groups operating, and a culture of fear prevailed. Human rights abuses were widespread, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances.
The country relied heavily on food imports, and agriculture was underdeveloped. This made Uganda vulnerable to food shortages and price fluctuations.
Many Ugandans had fled the country, seeking refuge and opportunities abroad. This brain drain deprived Uganda of much-needed skills and expertise.
35 years down the road Museveni’s NRM government has brought stability, peace and security, allowing for reconstruction and investment. They have implemented economic reforms, invested in infrastructure development, and revitalized social services.
As we move forward, therefore, it’s essential to learn from the past and build on the progress made already. As I have already highlighted above, in the next several years Uganda deserves a government that; continues to prioritize its citizens’ needs, promotes inclusive growth, and ensures accountability and transparency.
To me, when you objectively read President Museveni’s book on “How Africa Missed the Bus of History” the government of Uganda still needs at the moment is NRM as we prepare and fuel our standby generator. This is because this old man with the hat, our critical thinker, Ssabalwanyi, the liberator, Jaaja wa’Bazzukkulu, Ruhemba Ogwenjura, Rutatiina bigambo, the big man in the house, Taata wa Muhoozi Keinerugaba “aka” team corruption crusher, the father of East African leaders, the agitator of East African Community Integration, the agitator of Pan Africanism, the stabilizer of great lakes region is still strong and capable and if this time Kyaddondo and Kyambogo buy our wanainchi engineered idea of changing from the old system to a new system way of canvassing support for NRM, we will hurriedly revitalize his support more especially in Buganda region and push him to over 75% + of success in 2026 because over a time our team has discovered where some of the problems are and collectively devised the means of solving them.
The writer is CEO Pamoja Communal Empowerment Network
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