President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni dismissed political transition talks, saying leadership was never part of his family’s tradition. Museveni described himself not as a ruler but as a cattle keeper, pointing out his humble background and lack of a political legacy in his family.
“My father died at 97 without ever holding a Local Council 1 (LC1) position,” Museveni said. “My uncle, who also passed recently, never served in any government role either. I’m the first in my family to enter government service.”
Responding to remarks by Justice Minister Norbert Mao, who expressed hope to witness Museveni hand over power peacefully, the President dismissed the sentiment as unnecessary. “I hear people like Norbert Mao talking about transition and how seeing Museveni hand over power is important. I don’t think that’s what’s most important,” Museveni said.
He suggested that focusing on political succession takes attention away from deeper issues that have long affected Africa. “If I still have strength, I will continue to share my views,” he said. “Retirement is not my focus when Africa’s original problems, those that nearly destroyed us, are still unresolved.”
Museveni also questioned the purpose of elections if issues of development and stability remain unaddressed. “The people you elect, what exactly are they supposed to do if these bigger issues are ignored?” he asked.
His comments reflect an ongoing debate in Uganda’s political space, where talks around leadership transition and governance reforms remain sensitive topics. For Museveni, the priority seems to be that as long as Africa’s core challenges persist, stepping aside is not an option.
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