By Edgar Barigye
I have seen and read the electoral roadmap for the 2026 general elections released by Uganda’s Electoral Commission outlining the key milestones and timelines for the electoral process including voter registration, the nomination of candidates, the campaign period, Election Day, results announcement month and inauguration of elected leaders. This signifies that the term of 5 years the NRM government got in 2021 is soon expiring and definitely, this will require NRM to seek another mandate from the electorate.
So as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, I think that it is essential to reflect on the country’s history and the leadership that has shaped its destiny. Past presidents have made mistakes that have hindered progress, and it is crucial to learn from these errors to ensure a brighter future. Just to mention but a few;
1971-1079, Idi Amin’s regime was marked by brutal repression, economic mismanagement, and international isolation. His mistakes led to widespread human rights abuses, economic collapse, and a damaged reputation.
June 13th 1979- 29th June 1979 Paul Lule’s presidency was marred by inexperience, poor decision-making, and a lack of vision. His short time in office was marked by confusion, and he failed to capitalize on the growth opportunities.
1079-1980 Godfrey Binaisa’s brief tenure was characterized by indecision, weak leadership, and a failure to address the country’s pressing issues. His inability to provide direction and stability hindered Uganda’s recovery.
1980 Paulo Muwanga’s brief presidency was marked by a power struggle with other military leaders, leading to instability and confusion and lack of clear direction. He failed to provide a clear vision or direction for the country, leading to a sense of uncertainty and drift. Due to his inability to address economic challenges, Muwanga’s government was unable to effectively address Uganda’s economic woes, including inflation, poverty, and unemployment.
1980-1985 Obote’s second term was marked by authoritarianism, repression, and human rights abuses, leading to widespread discontent. His government’s economic policies led to inflation, corruption, and mismanagement of resources. Obote’s government was criticized for neglecting regional development and exacerbating regional disparities.
1985 Bazilio Olara Okello’s military background did not prepare him for the complexities of political leadership, leading to indecision and poor decision-making. His government failed to address the deep-seated divisions and conflicts within Uganda, leading to continued instability. Further, Okello’s government was unable to effectively address Uganda’s economic problems, including poverty, inflation, and unemployment.
These mistakes and many others at large highly contributed to their respective presidencies being marked by instability, economic struggles, and human rights concerns, ultimately leading to their downfalls.
On the other hand, Museveni seems to have learnt a great lesson from Uganda’s past mistakes because first and foremost he learnt to avoid ethnic politics, Museveni has promoted national unity and tried to avoid ethnic-based politics that have mostly plagued other African countries. Unlike some African leaders, Museveni has avoided the mistake of nationalizing foreign assets, maintained a favourable investment climate, and encouraged foreign investment.
Having successfully branded himself as a statesman; he has moved on and maintained good international relations, participating in regional and global organizations because we all know what poor international relations did to President Idd Amin’s regime in the 1970s.
Finally, despite criticisms, Museveni has allowed for some political space, permitting opposition parties and civil society to operate. As a result, Museveni’s regime has maintained relative peace and stability, creating a conducive environment for investment and growth,
Uganda’s economy has grown steadily, with GDP increasing from $1.5 billion in 1986 to over $25 billion today, significant investments in roads, energy, and telecommunications have improved connectivity and facilitated trade, and advances in healthcare, education, and social services have improved living standards and reduced poverty.
Uganda has played and continues to play a key role in regional integration efforts, such as the East African Community (EAC), Initiatives like the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) have enhanced agricultural productivity and commercialization, locally tailored programs like free Education rights from Primary (UPE) to secondary (USE) schools, Parish Development Model (PDM) as well as Village SACCOs have all done a commendable work in the lives Uganda’s.
The tourism sector has grown, with investments in national parks, wildlife conservation, and tourism infrastructure, Uganda has made significant strides in ICT, with investments in digital infrastructure and e-government initiatives just to mention but a few. These achievements and many others have contributed to Uganda’s progress and development, making it a notable example of stability and growth in the region.
While it’s also true that Museveni and the NRM government have not been perfect, they have at least demonstrated a commitment to learning from mistakes and adapting to changing circumstances.
In contrast, opposition leaders have failed to present a convincing alternative, often relying on rhetoric rather than substance. Their lack of a clear vision, coupled with a history of infighting and disorganization, raises concerns about their ability to lead Uganda effectively.
As Uganda moves forward, it is essential to build on the progress made under Museveni’s leadership. The country needs a leader who has demonstrated the ability to navigate complex challenges, foster economic growth, and promote stability.
The truth is that Museveni’s experience, vision, and leadership skills make him the best candidate to lead Uganda beyond 2026. The NRM government’s commitment to development, inclusivity, and accountability has earned it a mandate to continue steering the country towards a brighter future.
Ugandan voters need to learn from the mistakes of the past and recognize the value of continuity and stability. Re-electing Museveni and the NRM government is crucial for Uganda’s continued progress and prosperity.
