Why Ugandans have every reason to celebrate Museveni at 82
At 82, Museveni’s legacy is defined by Pan-Africanism, economic recovery, stability and a vision for Uganda’s transformation, writes Amlan Tumusiime
Amlan Tumusiime. (File)
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OPINION
By Amlan Tumusiime
Ugandans and youth groups are planning to celebrate President Yoweri Museveni’s 82nd birthday with a major event on September 19 at the Kololo Independence Grounds.
The celebrations, under the theme The Legacy That Inspires Generations, have compelled the Indian Association of Uganda to carry out a one-month-long mega blood donation drive targeting 100,000 units of blood across the 82 centres nationwide in honour of Museveni’s 82nd birthday. The blood will be used to support patients in medical need, strengthen national blood reserves and support other community philanthropic efforts, such as sponsoring infant heart surgeries.
Ugandans are right to celebrate President Museveni’s birthday because under his visionary leadership, Ugandans and the East African region have benefited. Museveni is known as a Pan-Africanist. He openly promotes African unity, economic integration and regional co-operation as essential tools for the continent’s survival and prosperity. World leaders like South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have publicly praised and described President Museveni as a true Pan-Africanist. President Ramaphosa is right. Many countries, including Somalia, DR Congo, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Burundi, have benefited from Museveni’s Pan-African spirit. This has been through extending military, peacekeeping and mediation support to address security challenges and build regional peace. Such a Pan-African spirit cannot be taken for granted.
I personally believe that Museveni falls in the category of renowned Pan-Africanists like Julius Nyerere, Kwame Nkrumah, Thomas Sankara, Nelson Mandela, Jomo Kenyatta and Patrice Lumumba. These statesmen did their part and the world will always remember them. Equally, President Museveni will always be remembered for his Pan-African spirit of extending a helping hand to the neighbouring countries in times of need. Therefore, the organisers of Museveni’s 82nd birthday are right to brand the event as A Legacy That Inspires Generations; Empowering Africa’s Youth for The Next Phase of Pan-African Revolution.
President Museveni’s rise to leadership was shaped by a commitment to liberating Uganda from instability and ushering in a new era of peace. The country is widely regarded as a stable, welcoming and safe destination for tourists. Uganda, once regarded as a failed state both economically and politically, is now one of the best countries on the African continent to attract foreign investors.
Museveni corrected the historic and economic mistake which former President Idi Amin Dada made in 1972 when he expelled Asians of Indian origin who were doing business in Uganda.
I call it an economic mistake because Amin’s action severely crippled the nation. These expelled Indians held the economy together through trade, farming and professional services. I call it a historic mistake because it caused the collapse of commerce since people of Indian origin owned most of the shops, trading networks, skilled labour and industries.
When they left suddenly, shops closed. Basic goods like sugar, soap and bread disappeared from the Ugandan market. Amin handed over the seized homes, farms and businesses to his loyal supporters, but they lacked business experience, sold off the stock and ran the businesses into bankruptcy.
Amin’s actions caused massive inflation and poverty. Production stopped and imports dropped. Uganda faced severe shortages, soaring inflation and a deep economic depression that lasted decades. Some foreign governments condemned Amin’s racist policy and cut off financial aid and trade. Uganda became isolated because of this unfortunate incident.
As the country celebrates 82 years of Museveni’s life, we cannot forget to thank him for the economically wise decision he took to cajole the Asian-Indian community to return to Uganda. The decision fundamentally catalysed the recovery and stabilisation of Uganda’s modern economy.
The Indian community contributes roughly 65% of Uganda’s total tax revenues despite making up less than 1% of the population. Other benefits include the revival of industrial manufacturing, restoration of international investor confidence and mass employment.
Museveni has created a clear legacy. Under his stewardship, Uganda has witnessed significant strides in infrastructure development, with roads, energy projects, and ICT expansion connecting communities and enabling trade. The country’s education sector has grown remarkably, with universal primary and secondary education programs opening doors for millions of children. Healthcare has also seen notable improvements, with expanded facilities and campaigns against diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Social innovations and Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation and infrastructure development, political stability, universal education, gender emancipation and being a pro-people President gifted with a listening ear, tolerance, humility, as well as being most forgiving define Museveni’s legacy in totality.
While the President is often celebrated for his political and economic achievements, his personal story adds depth to his public image. Born in 1944 in Ntungamo district, his journey from a rural upbringing to the presidency reflects the transformative power of education, determination and vision. His writings and speeches reveal a leader deeply invested in ideas, particularly the belief that Africa must chart its own destiny free from external domination.
As Uganda celebrates Museveni’s 82nd birthday, it must reflect on the future. His leadership has laid the foundations for Vision 2040, Uganda’s long-term development plan to transform the country into a modern, prosperous nation. The challenge now lies in ensuring that these foundations are strengthened and sustained for generations to come.
Museveni’s birthday is not just a personal milestone. It is a national occasion to honour a leader who has dedicated his life to serving Uganda and Africa. His journey embodies the struggles, triumphs and aspirations of a nation that has moved from instability to transformation, as well as a continent striving for unity and progress.
At 82, President Yoweri Museveni stands as a pillar of development and transformation, a leader whose vision has shaped Uganda’s trajectory and whose advocacy for Pan-Africanism continues to inspire. His birthday is a celebration of resilience, leadership, and the enduring belief that Africa’s destiny lies in the hands of its people.
As Ugandans and Africans reflect on his contributions, they celebrate not only a leader but a legacy one that underscores the importance of unity, discipline, and vision in building nations and shaping the future of the continent.
Happy birthday, Mr President.
The writer is an NRM cadre