Museveni’s Contradictions: Why Ugandans Must Question His Words

In a democracy, words matter—especially when spoken by those in power. For decades, Ugandans have watched Mr. Museveni’s leadership evolve, but one undeniable truth remains: his words and actions rarely align. His shifting rhetoric exposes a leader whose grip on power has transformed from a promise of democracy to a dictatorship rooted in self-interest.

Then vs. Now: A Shift in Leadership Philosophy

In 1993, Museveni declared:
“Power belongs to the people, not to an individual… You are a servant of the people.”

By 2017, his message had completely changed:
“I am not your servant… I am fighting for myself and for my beliefs.”

This stark contradiction highlights how power has changed Museveni. Once presenting himself as a servant of the people, he now openly admits that his leadership is about his personal agenda, not the welfare of Ugandans.

The Cost of Museveni’s Long Stay in Power

1. Uganda’s Heavy Debt Burden

When Museveni captured power in 1986, Uganda’s national debt was relatively low. Today, Uganda’s public debt has skyrocketed past $20 billion, with billions disappearing into corruption scandals. Massive loans, mainly from China, have left Uganda at risk of losing strategic assets like Entebbe International Airport and oil reserves due to unpaid debts.

Meanwhile, government officials lavishly spend taxpayers’ money, yet hospitals lack medicine, schools are underfunded, and basic infrastructure is crumbling.

2. Corruption: Billions Stolen with No Accountability

Uganda’s treasury has become a bottomless pit of corruption. Government officials loot public funds without consequence, and billions go missing without investigations. Some of the most scandalous thefts include:

The Karamoja Iron Sheets Scandal – Relief aid meant for the impoverished region was stolen by government ministers.

The COVID-19 Funds Scandal – Billions of shillings meant for relief vanished, yet hospitals were overwhelmed.

Oil Money Scandals – Billions in oil revenues have been mismanaged, and contracts given to Museveni’s inner circle.

Despite these crimes, not a single high-profile government official has been jailed.

3. War-Mongering & Destabilizing Neighboring Countries

Museveni has a history of fueling conflicts in neighboring countries to advance his personal interests. He has backed rebels, funded insurgencies, and interfered in regional politics, leading to:

War in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Uganda has been accused of illegally exploiting DRC’s minerals, leading to millions in reparations Uganda is now forced to pay.

Interference in South Sudan – Uganda played a key role in propping up certain factions, worsening instability.

Conflict in Rwanda – Museveni’s strained relations with Rwanda nearly led to war, disrupting trade and security.

His regional meddling has cost Uganda billions in lost trade opportunities and diplomatic isolation.

4. Institutions Are Collapsing

Under Museveni, all government institutions have been hollowed out, with loyalty to him replacing competence. Institutions like:

Police & Army – Turned into political tools used to crush dissent and opposition.

Judiciary – No independence, judges rule in favor of Museveni’s interests.

Parliament – Now a rubber-stamp for Museveni’s policies, dominated by MPs bribed to pass self-serving laws.

As a result, democracy in Uganda is nonexistent, and dictatorship is fully entrenched.

5. Absolute Poverty: A Nation Starving While the Few Grow Rich

Despite Uganda’s wealth in oil, minerals, and fertile land, the majority of Ugandans live in abject poverty. While Museveni’s family and inner circle enjoy luxurious lives, millions of Ugandans:

Struggle to afford food as prices soar.

Lack jobs despite promises of economic growth.

Cannot afford healthcare in a broken system.

Meanwhile, Museveni’s close relatives own multi-million-dollar businesses, real estate, and offshore accounts while ordinary citizens suffer.

6. Police Killings & Cold-Blooded Murders in Broad Daylight

Uganda has become a police state, where opposition leaders and activists are killed or disappear without accountability.

Assassinations of politicians and critics (e.g., MP Ibrahim Abiriga, Gen. Katumba Wamala’s attempted assassination).

Police brutality against protesters, especially during Bobi Wine’s campaigns.

Journalists beaten, arrested, and silenced for exposing government failures.

The fear of speaking out is real, as security forces operate with total impunity.

7. Museveni’s Son & His Controversial Tweets

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son, has been making reckless statements on X (formerly Twitter) that undermine Uganda’s sovereignty. Some of his most controversial tweets include:

Threatening to invade Kenya – Causing a diplomatic crisis.

Insulting opposition figures – Using social media to attack critics.

Hinting at taking over power from his father – Suggesting a family dynasty is in the making.

This reckless behavior damages Uganda’s international reputation, proving that Museveni’s leadership is now a family business, not a government for the people.

What Next for Ugandans?

1. Stay Informed – Knowledge is power. Know your history, the lies, and the realities.

2. Demand Accountability – Leaders must serve the people, not the other way around.

3. Engage in Civic Dialogue – Share and discuss these contradictions to foster political awareness.

4. Resist Fear & Speak Out – Uganda belongs to Ugandans, not a single family.

Final Thought

Museveni’s leadership has shifted from “I serve the people” to “I serve myself.” Uganda is now drowning in debt, corruption, war-mongering, police brutality, and poverty, all while a small elite enjoys obscene wealth.

Ugandans must wake up. The lies, contradictions, and failures are too many to ignore. The future of Uganda depends on the people’s courage to question power and demand chang