Opinion: 40 Years of Museveni’s Leadership in Muhammad Segirinya’s Eyes

In 1988, two years after Yoweri Museveni captured power, Hon. Muhammad Segirinya was born. He grew up under Museveni’s regime, served as a Member of Parliament, and tragically died at the age of 37, still under the same leadership. His story is a painful reflection of Uganda’s unchanging political landscape, raising critical questions about governance, human rights, and the future of our nation.

The circulating image of Hon. Segirinya’s body—his scrotum punctured while in government custody—paints a horrifying picture of the brutality faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo. His death epitomizes the suffering of many Ugandans who dream of witnessing a new leader in their lifetime, only to face repression and despair.

For millions of Ugandans, especially those born after 1986, Museveni’s leadership is the only reality they have known. The Constitution states that presidential elections should be held every five years, yet, for nearly 40 years, the presidency has remained unchanged. This prolonged grip on power leaves many attributing their struggles to poor governance. It is heartbreaking that a generation has grown up knowing only one leader, their aspirations stifled by the weight of unfulfilled promises and systemic failures.

Change in leadership is not only about governance but also about fostering hope and proving that success is driven by hard work, not favoritism or stagnation. If Museveni is confident in his legacy, why not step aside, even temporarily, to allow another leader a chance to serve? Like former U.S. Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, who stepped away from leadership while remaining influential, Museveni could still contribute to the nation without clinging to power indefinitely.

January 2025 will mark 40 years of Museveni’s rule—a period many call the “era of bananas.” Yet, rather than allowing Uganda to flourish, these years have witnessed the systematic squandering of youth potential. Each year he stays in power, another generation of young leaders loses the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development. Dr. Kizza Besigye, once a vibrant voice of opposition, now faces the ravages of age without ever realizing his leadership potential. The same fate could befall Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), who literally won the previous Ugandan general election, if this cycle of oppression and stagnation is not broken.

It is time for Ugandans, human rights advocates, and international entities to demand accountability and justice. The world must recognize the urgent need for leadership change in Uganda—not only to uphold democracy but to restore dignity and hope to its people.

We call upon all who respect human rights and value human dignity to speak out. This is not just a Ugandan issue; it is a global issue. Leadership must not be a lifetime entitlement but a responsibility to serve and uplift a nation. Let us stand together and demand better for Uganda. The time for change is now.

What do you think? Share your thoughts and let us amplify the call for justice and leadership transformation.

Alexander Luyima