Kampala, Uganda: President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni issued a rare public apology on Sunday, acknowledging failures in governance and alienation of the public, particularly in Buganda, as political pressure mounts ahead of the 2026 general election.
The apology, delivered during a national evangelical convention organised by their daughter, Pastor Patience Rwabwogo at Kololo Independence Grounds, struck both spiritual and political chords.
“We acknowledge that we’re human, have missed you, and have made mistakes in one way or the other. Forgive us, oh Lord,” the couple, who have been married for over 50 years, said in a joint prayer before thousands of congregants.
“We humbly take responsibility for all the mistakes made by ourselves, our agents and representatives,” they stated, owning full responsibility as leaders of the NRM Movement for failures committed by their government and its agents.
Janet Museveni, also Minister of Education, specifically extended an apology to the people of Buganda, citing “laxity, negligence and lack of diligence,” which she said had caused grassroots supporters to feel “angry, neglected or forgotten.”
Although couched in religious language, the address carried unmistakable political intent. President Museveni, invoking his liberation legacy, said: “The way we came to them in the beginning is the way we’re coming to them again, to resurrect our mutual love, respect, commitment and support.”
The apology also referenced ongoing government failings with the First Couple, saying, “Corruption has hindered progress in many ways, and therefore, many of our grassroots supporters have become disgruntled and angry.”
“It is our prayer that national resources will now be fully utilised for the benefit of all regions, especially those that feel left behind,” they added, without outlining any reforms or mechanisms for accountability.
The First Son and Military Chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has become a controversial political figure, was notably absent from the event, but critics say the apology was widely regarded to create a smooth lifeline for him, as he is seen as Mr Museveni’s apparent heir.
Mixed reactions to the apology
Analytical observers and political analysts say the move is aimed at healing ties with Buganda, a region once central to Museveni’s political ascent but now leaning heavily towards the opposition.
Sarah Birete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), told NTV Uganda on Monday that the apology would only be meaningful if Museveni retires.“What the president said would have made sense if he was quitting to retire peacefully in Rwakitura,” she said.
Dr John Paul Kasujja, a political historian, said the apology came “too late” and questioned its sincerity ahead of a critical election year. “It’s the right thing to do, but his time to apologise is long past. Without reforms, nothing changes,” he noted.
The Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, dismissed the apology outright, accusing the regime of using religion to deflect from ongoing human rights abuses.
“While he’s apologising, our brothers are being tortured. Our sisters are being raped. Our people are still being driven off their lands… Apology not accepted,” he said during a party meeting in Gulu. He added: “The best and only way to apologise for injustice is to stop the injustice.”
Buganda Welcomes Reconciliation, but with Caution
Buganda Kingdom spokesperson Israel Kazibwe, speaking to a local daily on Monday, cautiously welcomed the gesture but said expectations remain unmet: “As Buganda Kingdom, we cannot say we are 100 percent on good terms with the government. There are promises that remain unfulfilled.”
Kazibwe emphasized the need for mutual cooperation if Uganda is to move forward: “If the President has come out to apologise, and if it is for the good of the country, we welcome it. We are ready to work together.”
Analysts say Museveni’s statement is part of a broader effort to regain electoral footing in Buganda, where support has waned amid perceptions of marginalisation and selective development.
Prof Sabiti Makara, a political scientist, speaking on the Musevenis’ statement, said; “The apology is intended to win back the disgruntled Baganda. There are elderly people in Buganda who still believe in this government.”
He added that Buganda’s role in the 1986 liberation war and subsequent restoration of the monarchy had once forged a strong alliance with the regime, but that bond has eroded over time.
Former diplomat Harold Acemah also welcomed the gesture: “Uganda needs reconciliation. My only hope is that the President’s apology is genuine.”
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