It’s a big deal to celebrate President Museveni’s legacy at 82
Gumisiriza says for the past over 40 years now, Uganda has enjoyed peace, thanks to President Yoweri Museveni’s courageous vision, which he pursued despite the unexpected risks, which almost ended his life.
Ian Gumisiriza Jeremiah
By Ian Gumisiriza Jeremiah
It is generally recognized that achieving total peace in any country is a challenging task. It often requires the bravery and courage of a few individuals willing to take substantial risks for the benefit of others, and this is motivated by those with profound love for their country.
Often, those who manage to lead their nations out of oppression or suffering do not survive to enjoy the outcomes of their efforts. Their legacies are always preserved in the writings of those who fought alongside them.
For the past over 40 years now, Uganda has enjoyed peace, thanks to President Yoweri Museveni’s courageous vision, which he pursued despite the unexpected risks, which almost ended his life.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to God for guiding and safeguarding our foremost patriot and hero, allowing us to continue celebrating him while he is still alive.
Through his guidance, many individuals came to understand the value of selflessness and developed a strong sense of patriotism, placing the well-being of Uganda above everything including their families and friends.
Their dedication compelled them to put their lives on the line to protect their fellow citizens, inspiring many others to join the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation movement, which played a crucial role in shaping Uganda into its current state.
Throughout the time of the armed conflict, he (Museveni) faced the same peril as his fellow comrades, such as Martin Mwesiga and Black Mwesigwa, who lost their lives.
His ability to survive, however, underscores his status as the most significant resurgence Uganda has experienced, a fact that should not be overlooked.
This further demonstrates that God preserved him for a mission far much bigger; to liberate Ugandans from all kind of oppression.
He went ahead to oppose President Idi Amin not only to terminate the bankrupt sectarian politics which was already alluded to but also to restructure the indisciplined, sectarian colonial army into a disciplined, patriotic and Pan Africanist one.
Driven by a deep sense of patriotism, he felt compelled to persist in the fight to liberate Ugandans from the anguish caused by detrimental political practices such as sectarianism, tribalism, religious manipulation, and ideological narrow-mindedness that had devastated the nation.
His consistent ideological stance and early commitment to combating sectarianism, along with his aspiration to shape Uganda's future and his passion for East African unity, are truly commendable.
Although the role of the President in many developing African nations is uptight with challenges, many post independence leaders often engaged in divisive factional politics to sustain their hold onto power.
President Museveni understood that true power is sustained by facilitating others to achieve their aspirations in life.
President Yoweri Museveni is undoubtedly a hero, the foremost supporter of Uganda, and a genuine patriot. His contributions warrant recognition, ensuring his undisputed legacy remains prominent for generations to come.
No narrative regarding Uganda's achievements can be complete without acknowledging his influence and that is the reason we celebrate his legacy that does not only inspires generations but has also empowers Africa’s youth for the next phase of the Pan African revolution.
Under his leadership, Uganda has undergone a remarkable transformation, with conflicts resolved swiftly and unity forged through consensus with those who hold divergent views from his own.
In the midst of this joy, one must ponder where Uganda would stand without his guiding hand steering the Pearl of Africa. I often wonder how many Ugandans reflect on the impact of such a dedicated pioneer on the nation's journey.
We the proud Bazzukulu owe a great deal to his wisdom, teachings, and guidance, as a leader who has genuinely and persistently proved his love for his country and its people.
He played a pivotal role in helping Uganda recover from a tumultuous period marked by civil strife, bringing peace, security, unity, and significant socio-economic progress, all of which we take pride in today.
His dedication to the nation is clearly reflected in his numerous initiatives to foster discipline within the armed forces and to enhance infrastructure, which encompasses access to, primary health care, universal education, clean water, better road systems, rural electrification, poverty alleviation and many others.
Additionally, his relentless pursuit of job creation through focus on commercial agriculture, value addition, industrialization, development of the Oil and Gas sector, and Information Communication Technology (ICT) is creditable.
He has also enhanced the East African Community's global standing and strategic relevance, reflecting his deep commitment to both East Africa and the African continent as a whole.
One cannot forget, how amidst a lot of domestic criticism he has deployed the UPDF to pacify South Sudan, Somalia, Eastern Congo and Central African Republican.
Under his leadership Uganda has also maintained an open-door refugee policy, providing a much-needed relief to people running away from conflicts in their countries. Including countries we don’t even share borders like Eriteria and Somalia.
As Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it.
I believe our generation’s mission is to jealously uphold President Museveni’s legacy by embracing the principles of parental care and patriotism, dedicating ourselves to serve, love, and make sacrifices for our nation, all while being mindful of our tumultuous history.
Happiest birthday Jajja Sabalwanyi Y.K. Tibuhaburwa Museveni. Long may you reign to steer Uganda to a $500 billion economy by 2040.
The writer is Ian Gumisiriza Jeremiah the Special Presidential Assistant on Informal Sector.