By Muhimbise George
President Museveni’s recent public apology to Buganda—and by extension, Uganda—may appear to be an act of humility and reconciliation. But viewed through the lens of his long-standing political behavior, it is nothing more than a tactical move. As long as Museveni remains fixated on retaining power, no apology, however eloquent, will lead to meaningful change or national healing.
Museveni is not a novice on the political stage. He is arguably the most politically astute and experienced leader in East and Central Africa. Having ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, nothing major happens under his watch without his knowledge or approval. The erosion of democracy, rampant corruption, systemic land grabbing, sectarian appointments, media repression, and the brutalization of peaceful demonstrators are not anomalies or unfortunate lapses—they are deliberate strategies designed to entrench his grip on power.
Let us be clear: Museveni is not merely addicted to power; he is obsessed with it. He ascended to power through a bloody guerrilla war with only 27 guns, toppling a government backed by the Tanzanian army. This history reveals a man who will go to extraordinary lengths to seize, retain, and protect authority. And his tenure in power has confirmed this. He has overseen the militarization of politics, the decimation of opposition, and the manipulation of democratic institutions to suit his interests.
Museveni’s regime has normalized patronage and rent-seeking as tools for political survival. Billions of shillings are regularly channeled to grease the palms of local leaders, religious figures, cultural heads, and political actors in exchange for loyalty. Opposition figures are either harassed, co-opted, or neutralized using state resources. During general elections, the NRM reportedly dispatches UGX 300,000 to every village—an open bribery mechanism masked as mobilization. Security budgets have ballooned not to fight crime but to insulate the regime from public dissent.
Even more disturbing is the fact that those who commit atrocities on behalf of the state are often rewarded, not punished. Land grabbers connected to the ruling elite are shielded. Journalists who expose government failings are beaten or detained. Peaceful demonstrators are arrested, tortured, or even killed. And yet, no one is held accountable—because their actions serve a higher political objective: Museveni’s hold on power.
In this context, Museveni’s apology to Buganda rings hollow. Reconciliation without reform is political theatre. An apology that does not lead to justice, restitution, or systemic change is merely a distraction. It is an old script: when pressure mounts, Museveni pretends to listen, to compromise, to soften—but only to regroup and reassert control. He can apologize, bend low, or shake hands with his fiercest opponents—not out of remorse, but as a calculated effort to disarm and co-opt them.
It is not that Museveni is inherently evil or malicious; his actions stem from one overriding fear: losing power. That fear shapes his governance style, his alliances, his betrayals, and even his apologies.
So, to Buganda and all Ugandans: don’t be misled by the president’s conciliatory tone. Real reconciliation requires political transition, institutional reform, and a genuine commitment to democratic values—not just symbolic gestures. As long as Museveni’s ultimate priority remains clinging to power, no apology—however heartfelt—can redeem the injustices of the past or prevent those of the future.
Muhimbise George muhimbiseg@gmail.com, +256 787 836515
