Since January 1986, when Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) assumed power, Uganda has experienced nearly four decades under the same leadership.
Over this prolonged period, entire generations have come and gone, many of them feeling excluded, silenced, or gradually pushed to the margins of national decision-making. It began with the generation slightly older than Museveni, leaders who might have offered alternative visions for the country.
As time passed, many of them were politically neutralized, sidelined, or removed from the center of power. This pattern continued with the next generation, followed by our parents’ generation, including some who fought alongside him during the bush war.
Even those who once stood shoulder to shoulder in the struggle have, in many cases, found themselves distanced from meaningful influence. The pattern did not stop there. It extended to the children of those bush war heroes, the very families who sacrificed for the liberation struggle.
Today, it has reached those of us born after 1986. Many in this generation are now in their 30s, approaching their 40s, but still feel locked out of meaningful participation in shaping the country’s future. There is a growing sense of frustration, fatigue, and even resignation among young Ugandans who feel that opportunities have been systematically limited.
Now, without pause or mercy, the focus appears to be shifting to the next phase: the children of our generation. With Muhoozi Kainerugaba increasingly visible in political and military spaces, many of us see the signs of a carefully managed succession plan.
For many Ugandans, this signals not just continuity of leadership, but the risk of deepening a system of family rule where power transitions within a narrow circle rather than through open, competitive, and democratic processes.
The recent NRM caucus retreat in Kyankwanzi is evidently part of a broader, long-term strategy that has been unfolding quietly over the years. What we witnessed last week is merely a buildup to what may come next, particularly in the anticipated cabinet selections in May.
The stage has already been set; the structures have been carefully aligned. At this point, it feels less like the beginning of a race and more like the final stretch of a marathon, where the finishing line is now only a few meters away.
As I previously predicted, Uganda may be heading toward significant constitutional and political changes. One possible scenario is a return to a parliamentary system for electing the president.
Such a move could fundamentally reshape how leadership transitions occur. Another possibility is the emergence of a strategically positioned Speaker of Parliament, someone capable of facilitating and implementing these changes.
Alternatively, a carefully selected Vice President may be appointed within the cabinet, one who can be more easily replaced in the event of unforeseen circumstances, including the death of a sitting president, primarily to ensure continuity until a preferred successor is formally installed.
There is also the possibility of constitutional amendments that redefine eligibility for the presidency in such scenarios. These developments form part of a broader, interconnected strategy that reflects a deliberate and carefully coordinated succession plan.
As this succession struggle intensifies, we stand largely on our own and responsibility for shaping the future of our country does not rest with external actors or unseen forces but lies squarely with us, the citizens.
We must confront the truth that accepting a continuation of the same system under a different face only prolongs the status quo, while demanding genuine change requires courage, unity, and deliberate action.
Looking at Uganda’s landscape, leadership is rarely handed over willingly. No one is going to simply give Ugandans the leadership they deserve. It is something that must be pursued deliberately, responsibly, and courageously.
This is not just about the present moment; it is about the future of our children. If we remain passive, we risk allowing them to inherit the same entrenched system, one that has systematically deprived the nation of peace, undermined genuine democracy, perpetuated poor governance, and held its citizens hostage for decades.
The writer is a member of People’s Reform Uganda
Uganda Politics has been intertwined with Military section and any President coming to power will only succeed with the backing of the Military and if not such a leader cannot even last for a week in power or may not even be allowed to take office.
And the Civilian population almost have no voice to make any change in their Country even though they vote for what they want, because the Election results doesn’t reflect the pattern they voted.
In other words Kazibwe, Ugandans have been on a well calculated, calibrated and orchestrated 40-year and counting long march to the North Korean type Family Dynasty and Gerontocracy (an Autocracy) where the Octogenarians, retire/get rid of the potential and younger and ambitious subordinates in their 50s and 60s.
In your narrative, who in his/her right state of mind can deny that our 86-years-old Gerontocrat PROBLEM OF AFRICA, Gen Tibuhaburwa, got rid of Hon Eriya Kategaya (RIP); Dr. Kiiza Besigye (Behind Bars); Gen Tumukunde; Gen Tinyejusa, Gen Kale Kayihura; Hon Amama Mbabazi; etc.
As you stated all these folks you would think are already resting in peace (RIP).
While UPDF representative in parliament: after being imprisoned for spreading Harmful Propaganda, Gen Tumukunde decided to drag back his trademark permanent Luweero-injury leg into the 12th Parliament.
Think of it: why don’t other UPDF Generals (soldiers) also stage their Birthday Celebration Run or soccer matches; just like Gen MK does with absolute impunity?
A birthday is a PRIVATE FUNCTION! if it is not the absolute ABUSE of office and POWER, why should Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba use and abuse with impunity the UPDF (SFC) personnel and other resources as if they are personal army assets and liability (properties)?
The abuses go as far as the deployment of SFC as Security Guards for private and/or foreigners business premises.
Fellow Ugandans, this isn’t just about today; it’s about the legacy we leave for our children. If we remain passive, we condemn them to a system that has spent 40 years hollowing out our nation’s peace and democracy. Our grandchildren will never forgive us for allowing this family-led anarchy to become permanent.
The ‘M7 era’ has caused damage that may take generations to repair. Yet, the political elite—on both sides—seem driven by greed. Even Kyagulanyi, who campaigned on ‘People Power, our power’ has fallen into the same motive [greed]. As Kazibwe noted, change isn’t a gift from external forces; it’s our responsibility. But by recycling violent, sham elections just to keep their hands in the ‘cookie jar,’ Kyagulanyi/NUP are making genuine change feel more hopeless than ever. We must demand a new face, not just a different version of the same greed.
Furthermore, the future of our children hangs in the balance. Passivity today ensures they inherit a four-decade-old system designed for lifetime rule, one that has systematically undermined governance and held citizens hostage. The destruction wrought by the current administration is so profound it feels irreversible.
This is a crisis of national character. Political elites, regardless of their affiliation, often prioritise personal gain over the future of the youth. Robert Kyagulanyi’s ‘People Power’ movement once offered hope, but it is now mirroring the very system it opposes. If the opposition continues to legitimise ‘bogus’ elections simply to maintain their access to public resources, they prolong the status quo. Genuine change requires more than just a new face; it requires the courage and unity to move beyond the cycle of greed that defines our current leadership.
Not a carefull but a cunningly managed succession plan!
It’s a well known fact that museveni has always feared competition! For he isn’t as smart as he portrays himself, and wants to be or is being portrayed by his sycophants! He’s just a cunning and wicked old man!
But the most painful dilemma is the passiveness by the majority Ugandans! And instead the know it all, and the so called elites, always attack and discourage those who at least are trying to do something! Such negative elements are the Remases who disguise themselves in sheepskin, yet they’re wolves, always attacking and dragging others down! They demand for a new face, but cannot themselves spearhead for that face!
May the Almighty God have mercy on Uganda
Jackin, you have it completely backwards. Constructive criticism isn’t ‘wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing’ behavior—it is a necessity. It is clear as day that Ugandans have endured decades of ruthless autocracy, specifically under Museveni’s 40-year reign of corruption and violence. You claim the ‘elites’ are dragging down those who are ‘trying to do something,’ referring to Kyagulanyi. But what exactly is he ‘trying’? By participating in bogus, violent elections over and over, he is simply recycling a failed system out of greed. We end up in the same position every time. That isn’t ‘trying something’—it’s business as usual.
Jackin, I totally disagree with your portrayal of the situation. True constructive criticism is meant to elevate the struggle, not tear it down. While we agree that Museveni has maintained power through deceit and violence since the Luwero war, we differ on the solution. You credit Kyagulanyi for ‘trying,’ but I see a leader who continues to validate a rigged system through participation in sham elections. If the result is always ‘business as usual’ while the people suffer, we must ask if these actions are driven by genuine change or mere political greed. Participation without progress is not the remedy for our passivity.”