President Yoweri Museveni’s unrivalled legacy

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OPINION

By Winston Rutehenda Rwankore

Now that President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni has been sworn in for the 7th term, it might take more than 100 years to have such a president in Uganda. I will use his name to put across my opinion. 

Y- (Youth-oriented). The President is youth-oriented. He targets the youth because 60% of the voting population in Uganda is between 18 years and 30 years old. He has supported the youth through programmes such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and other savings and credit cooperative societies, among others. 

K- (Kingpin): The President is the kingpin of Uganda as a nation. He is the most essential person in making decisions for our country. Almost everyone consults him before a proper decision is made. This includes all top politicians and CEOs of different parastatals. 

T- (Transformative): The President believes in transformation, which causes a major, lasting and positive change of someone or something. This has been experienced by Ugandans and the economy. 

M- (Military Guru): I don’t think there is anyone so far in the country who can challenge President Museveni on issues concerning the military. He is a consultant when it comes to this department world over. 

U- (Unity): The President believes in togetherness. He has created harmony in the country. Talk of different tribes, religion, education, leadership, among others. 

S- (Steadfast): The President is dedicated to a purpose, and he isn’t easily changed or shaken. He sticks to being the head of state, and that’s what matters. Other issues to him are minor. 

E- (Empathy): President Museveni is very empathetic. He is able to understand and share the feelings of others. He puts himself in their shoes to find solutions. Ugandans credit him for this kind of gesture. 

V- (Visionary): I don’t think that there is any Ugandan who can dispute this. He has a keen foresight, imagination and innovative ideas about the future. This was experienced during the COVID 19 pandemic.

E- (Empowering women): The President has empowered women in the country. Women have taken up several positions during his era. Don’t forget that women are more than men according to the 2024 population census of Uganda. Females make up 53% while males account for 47% of the population. 

N- (Nationalist): President Museveni is a nationalist. He strongly advocates for the country’s independence, sovereignty and interests, placing Uganda above others. 

I- (Intelligent): The President is a very intelligent person. He has the ability to learn, understand, reason and solve problems effectively. No one can predict his next move. This is evident in his Cabinet selection. 

President Museveni has other qualities that include forgiveness, soberness, kindness, fitness, healthy feeding, luck and above all love for his family. 

In my opinion, a person can have all the qualities the President has, but it will be extremely difficult to rule this country for more than 40 years. May the Almighty God guide him through 2026 to 2031.

The writer is a Former NRM Chairman, Ibanda Municipality