By Princess Eugene Majuru, Princess of Harare
KAMPALA, UGANDA – In a moment that has sent ripples across Uganda and beyond, President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni have offered an apology to Buganda and the wider Ugandan populace for “mistakes” made during their four decades in leadership. The unprecedented admission, coming after 40 years at the helm, has ignited a fervent national debate: Is this a genuine moment of reckoning, or a strategic manoeuvre? And more critically, for a nation yearning for progress, “to be or not to be” – will this apology pave the way for a new era, or merely entrench the status quo?
The sheer longevity of their rule – 40 years – makes the acknowledgement of “mistakes” particularly poignant, and for many, deeply frustrating. For four decades, the Museveni’s have been the undisputed architects of Uganda’s destiny, with citizens looking to them for stability, prosperity, and good governance. The apology, while perhaps heard and accepted by some, immediately begs the question of its sincerity and, more importantly, its practical implications.
Genuine Regret or Political Gambit?
Scepticism runs high. Critics argue that an apology after such an extended period of unchallenged power might be less about genuine contrition and more about managing public perception in an increasingly volatile political climate. “Forty years is not a short time to learn from mistakes,” remarked a prominent civil society activist who wished to remain anonymous. “The real test of this apology lies not in the words spoken, but in the actions that follow.”
Ugandans, weary of what they perceive as unfulfilled promises and persistent challenges, are demanding more than just rhetoric. They want to see tangible evidence of remorse, a commitment to rectifying past wrongs, and a clear path forward that addresses the very issues for which the apology was made.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: The Path to Atonement
If the Museveni’s are truly sorry, the public and international observers are looking for concrete demonstrations of that sincerity. These could include:
Accountability and Transparency: A willingness to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for past misdeeds, particularly concerning human rights abuses, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
Policy Reforms: Implementing significant policy changes that address systemic issues, such as strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring judicial independence, and fostering a truly competitive political landscape.
Restitution and Redistribution: Acknowledging the widespread international calls for the Museveni’s to relinquish a significant portion of their amassed wealth, which many believe belongs to the community. This could take the form of substantial investments in public services, infrastructure, or direct community development initiatives.
Paving the Way for Succession: Perhaps the most significant action would be a clear and credible commitment to a peaceful, democratic transition of power, allowing new leaders with fresh ideas and policies to emerge and try to improve the nation’s trajectory.
“To Be or Not To Be”: The Ultimate Question
This brings us to the core dilemma encapsulated by the famous Shakespearean phrase: “To be or not to be.” For the Museveni’s, the question is whether they will continue to hold onto power despite the public’s growing disaffection and their own admission of past errors, or if they will choose to step aside.
Across Uganda and among the global diaspora, the sentiment is increasingly vocal: the time for new leadership is now. Many argue that 40 years is more than enough time for any single individual or family to lead a nation, and that continued rule, even with an apology, stifles democratic growth and innovation. The calls for them to leave office are intertwined with demands for the return of wealth, reflecting a deep-seated belief that resources accumulated during their tenure should be repatriated for the benefit of all Ugandans.
The apology, therefore, is not an end in itself, but a catalyst. It has opened a Pandora’s Box of expectations and demands. If it is to be truly meaningful, it must be followed by actions that demonstrate a profound commitment to the nation’s future over personal power. Without such actions, the apology risks being perceived as meaningless words, further eroding trust and potentially exacerbating the very problems it purports to address. Uganda stands at a critical juncture, waiting to see if its long-serving leaders will choose to “be” the change, or simply “be” in power.
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