Felix Kidibya
For nearly 40 years, President Museveni has shaped Uganda’s political, economic, and social landscape. His leadership has produced undeniable achievements; rural electrification, expanded road networks, increased access to safe water, universal education, and, above all, lasting peace and security.
These accomplishments have defined the stability many Ugandans enjoy today.
However, on the darkest side of this long administration, corruption has grown by over 200%. It has eaten into institutions, weakened public trust, and created a leadership crisis. The more troubling question now is: Who is prepared to take over after President Museveni? And, are we prepared for this phase? Even the president once hinted uncertainty about this, and on that, many Ugandans quietly agree.
Uganda today has three identifiable groups in relation to the post‑Museveni transition, and unfortunately, two of them pose a risk while the third is inactive.
The first group is those who strongly support the current government. Deep down, many in this group do not genuinely love the country; they are opportunists who benefit from the system as long as it continues. They thrive in positions of influence where they can steal public resources, secure their children’s futures at the expense of ordinary citizens, and misuse authority.
Their behavior is evident in incidents like beating supermarket attendants and traffic officers. They have become untouchable, strategically positioned, and fearless because they lack accountability and fear of God. Though they have the privilege to serve the nation, their hearts remain corrupted.
The second group is the desperate-for-change population mostly the youth. They are unemployed, frustrated, hungry, and hopeful. They are promised positions of power, cars, offices, and a better future once change comes. They love Uganda deeply, and many have genuine hearts for the country.
However, no one is preparing them for real leadership. They spend more time rallying, talking, and hoping, yet no structured mentorship is guiding them. This is dangerous. Nations that transitioned without preparation have fallen
into deeper chaos.
Uganda must learn. People age every decade, and unprepared leadership can destroy a nation. The third group is the silent majority. They do not appear on TV or radio; they merely watch the first two groups. They remain the calm observers, but their silence is also a risk because national progress requires active participation, not passive waiting.
Everyone, regardless of category, has a responsibility to prepare for a post‑Museveni Uganda. Recently, an article surfaced about a Libyan man crying in a hospital bed not because of his medical bills, but because he wished Muammar Gaddafi was still alive.
His tears were a warning: when a nation fails to prepare for transition, the aftermath becomes painful. Uganda must not walk the same path.
I love President Museveni, and I appreciate his contributions. But I strongly dislike the repeated mistakes he has failed to correct especially his inability to distance himself and his government from corrupt individuals.
Most painfully, he has failed to prepare Uganda for life after him. This nation has brilliant young people; educated, patriotic, and passionate yet he continues to recycle an old group that has outlived its usefulness.
The recent appointments are embarrassing. Why Badru Kiggundu as Busitema University Chancellor? These individuals should retire peacefully, enjoy their wealth, and care for their grandchildren. Mr. President, Uganda needs a fresh breed of young leaders who can learn from your administration and carry the nation forward.
What Uganda needs now is not more politicians. We already have enough. Uganda does not even need more politics; we have lived through it for decades. What this country desperately needs is true leadership. Leaders who genuinely fear God, leaders whose integrity stands firm, and leaders who are technically and professionally competent.
Uganda needs men and women who understand governance and service, not those chasing positions, but those pursuing purpose. As we look ahead, Ugandans must never forget the past. Anyone who does not know the history of this country should read, ask, and listen to the elders. Our past holds the wisdom to protect our future.
The question remains: Who will lead Uganda after Museveni? The answer depends on how well we prepare today for failure to prepare is preparing to fail.
The author is a concerned citizen
Email: [email protected] /0783160800
X:@felixkidibya
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