Norbert Mao, the Democratic Party president, has challenged President Yoweri Museveni to lead a peaceful transfer of power. Mao spoke while spearheading DP grassroots mobilization drives in Jinja city over the weekend.
Mao pointed out that Uganda has never experienced any peaceful change of power, with each transition resulting in blood. He noted that it is high time Museveni creates an alternative to the past trends set by his predecessors.
“President Museveni, you have been in power for 37 years now. You have overseen the country’s economic transformation and brought stability to the country. But Uganda has never had a peaceful transfer of power. Each transition has been marked by violence and bloodshed,” Mao said.
“I challenge you, President Museveni, to lead a peaceful transfer of power. This is your chance to leave a lasting legacy for Uganda,” he added.
Mao said that Museveni’s legacy will be tarnished if he does not lead a peaceful transfer of power. He noted that Museveni has made many positive contributions to Uganda, but his legacy will be incomplete if he does not ensure a smooth transition of power to his successor.
“President Museveni, you have the power to make history. You can be the first Ugandan president to lead a peaceful transfer of power. This is your chance to leave a lasting legacy for Uganda,” Mao said.
Mao also called on Museveni to fight social evils such as corruption and tribalism. He said that these evils are retarding the country’s development and denying the majority of Ugandans from partaking of the national cake.
“President Museveni, you have a responsibility to fight corruption and tribalism. These evils are destroying our country. We need a government that is committed to fighting corruption and promoting unity and diversity,” Mao said.
Mao’s challenge to Museveni comes at a time when there is growing uncertainty about the future of Uganda’s leadership. Museveni is eligible to run for another term in office in 2026, but he has not yet announced his plans.
Some Ugandans are calling for Museveni to step down in 2026 and allow for a new president to be elected. Others are supporting Museveni to run for another term.
It is unclear what Museveni will do in 2026. But if he does decide to run for another term, it will likely set up a showdown with Mao and other opposition leaders.
Ismael Kiirya’s Challenge to Uganda’s Youth
Ismael Kiirya, the Uganda Young Democrats president, also spoke at the DP grassroots mobilization drive in Jinja. Kiirya challenged all Ugandan youth to collectively refocus their energies on acquiring meaningful points, enabling them to actively participate in the power change struggles, without any form of bloodshed.
“Ugandan youth, you are the future of this country. You have the power to change the course of Uganda’s history. But you must be united and focused,” Kiirya said.
“I challenge you to refocus your energies on acquiring meaningful points, enabling you to actively participate in the power change struggles, without any form of bloodshed,” he added.
Kiirya’s challenge to Ugandan youth is important. Uganda has a young population, with over 70% of the population under the age of 30. The youth have the power to change the country, but they need to be united and focused.
Kiirya is urging Ugandan youth to put aside their differences and work together to achieve their common goals. He is also urging them to avoid violence and bloodshed.
The power change struggles in Uganda will not be easy. But if Ugandan youth are united and focused, they can achieve their goals and create a better future for Uganda.
