In January 1986, a charismatic rebel leader named Yoweri Kaguta Museveni marched into Kampala, declaring a new era of democracy, stability, and development after years of dictatorship and civil war. Nearly four decades later, President Museveni remains in power, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
But after 38 years at the helm, Ugandans and observers around the world continue to wrestle with one question:
Has Museveni’s rule propelled Uganda forward—or has it dragged the nation into authoritarian stagnation?
Let’s take an honest look at the legacy of Museveni’s rule—measuring both the progress and regression.
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The Gains: What Museveni Has Achieved
When Museveni took over in 1986, Uganda was reeling from the brutal regimes of Idi Amin and Milton Obote. The country was fractured by conflict, the economy was in ruins, and institutions were broken.
Museveni’s early years brought a level of stability that many Ugandans welcomed. His government restructured the army, brought relative peace to central and southern Uganda, and sought to rebuild national institutions.
Under Museveni’s rule, Uganda embraced market-oriented reforms, encouraged foreign investment, and experienced periods of steady economic growth.
The expansion of infrastructure, growth of the service sector, and rise in foreign direct investment were seen as signs of progress.
Initiatives like Universal Primary Education (UPE) also made education more accessible to millions of children.Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.
Museveni positioned Uganda as a key player in East Africa and the African Union. He has been a vocal figure in regional security efforts, contributing troops to peacekeeping missions in Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Costs: Where Uganda Has Regressed
Museveni once promised that Uganda would not be ruled by “big men” who cling to power. Yet he abolished presidential term limits in 2005, and later removed the age limit clause in 2017—clearing the way for lifelong rule.
Opposition figures, including Dr. Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), have faced intimidation, arrests, and violence. Elections are routinely marred by allegations of fraud and state-sponsored brutality.
Over the years, Museveni’s reliance on the military and security forces has deepened. Political dissent is often met with armed suppression, and the Ugandan Police Force and military have become active agents in stifling opposition.
The November 2020 killings during protests over Bobi Wine’s arrest—where over 50 civilians were gunned down—highlighted the violent extremes the state has taken to maintain control.Opposition figures, including Dr. Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), have faced intimidation, arrests, and violence. Elections are routinely marred by allegations of fraud and state-sponsored brutality.
While the economy has grown, so has inequality. Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, and many Ugandans feel economically excluded.
The promise of economic transformation has not translated into meaningful change for millions of ordinary citizens who struggle daily with poverty, poor healthcare, and lack of opportunity.
Under Museveni’s regime, freedom of the press has declined. Independent journalists are harassed, radio stations are closed, and social media is restricted during politically sensitive times.
Civil society organizations, especially those working in governance, human rights, or LGBTQ+ advocacy, face tight regulation and surveillance.
Progress or Regression? A Divided Legacy
Museveni’s legacy is deeply contradictory. He brought peace and order to a country that desperately needed it. He introduced reforms that modernized parts of Uganda’s economy and institutions.
But he also consolidated power, weakened democratic institutions, and created a system where political survival outweighs national progress.
In many ways, Museveni transformed from a liberator into the very thing he once fought against: an entrenched ruler presiding over a state where fear, control, and power politics dominate.
Progress or Regression? A Divided Legacy
With Museveni now well into his 70s and grooming his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba as a possible successor, Uganda stands at a critical crossroads.
Will the next generation demand a new democratic chapter? Or will the structures Museveni has built hold back meaningful change?
The next phase of Uganda’s story will determine whether his 38-year rule is remembered as a chapter of transformation—or as a warning about power left unchecked.
