Museveni To Address Nation Tomorrow, Here Is What He Will Talk About!

By Frank Kamuntu

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will address the nation on Saturday, January 25, 2025, ahead of the 39th NRM/A Liberation Day Anniversary celebrations scheduled for Sunday in Mubende district.

The announcement was made this afternoon by him via his social handles, in a statement released to the public.

The address will be broadcast live across all radios, TV stations, and online platforms. Citizens are encouraged to tune in and follow the event.

Museveni’s Leadership Through NRM Gov’t

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM government are deeply intertwined, as Museveni has been the key figure at the helm of the National Resistance Movement since it took power in 1986. Here’s a breakdown of how Museveni’s leadership and the NRM government are connected:

1. Museveni’s Rise to Power:

• Background: Museveni became involved in politics in the 1960s and 1970s. He initially joined the military and became an important figure in Uganda’s political landscape during the instability of the 1970s and 1980s.
• NRM Formation: In 1981, Museveni led a guerrilla war (National Resistance Army, NRA) against the Government of Milton Obote and later the military regime of Tito Okello. The conflict culminated in the NRM taking power in 1986 after the NRA defeated the Ugandan military.

2. Leadership Style:

• Authoritarianism: Museveni’s government has been criticized for increasingly authoritarian tendencies. While initially he promised to rule for only four years and bring democracy to Uganda, his tenure has lasted over three decades. The government has been accused of suppressing opposition, curbing media freedoms, and limiting political space.
• Political Control: The NRM government under Museveni has maintained a dominant political presence, with Museveni leading the government for a record number of terms. The removal of presidential age limits in 2017 allowed him to extend his presidency further.

3. Economic Reforms and Development:

• Market-Oriented Policies: Since coming to power, Museveni’s NRM government has shifted Uganda from a command economy to a more market-oriented approach. This included privatization of state-owned enterprises and embracing free-market policies to attract foreign investment.
• Economic Growth: Uganda’s economy has grown significantly, especially in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and services. However, growth has been uneven, with challenges in poverty reduction and inequality.
• Infrastructure Development: The NRM government has invested heavily in roads, power generation, and telecommunications, aiming to modernize the country and facilitate economic development.

4. Social Programs and Welfare:

• Education: The introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in 1997 was one of the NRM’s flagship programs, significantly expanding access to education. Later, Universal Secondary Education (USE) was introduced to extend the coverage.
• Healthcare: The NRM government has made efforts to address HIV/AIDS, maternal health, and general healthcare access, resulting in reduced maternal and infant mortality rates, although challenges remain in the healthcare sector.

5. Political Landscape and Opposition:

• No-Party System: Initially, Museveni’s NRM government introduced a no-party political system, arguing that Uganda’s past party-based politics had been divisive. The system was designed to promote national unity and reduce ethnic and tribal divisions.
• Multiparty Politics: In 2005, a referendum was held, and the country returned to a multiparty system, though Museveni’s NRM has remained the dominant political force. The opposition, particularly the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has often contested election results, citing concerns over electoral fairness.
• Civil Liberties: Critics argue that the NRM government has curbed political freedoms, limited press freedom, and cracked down on political dissent. Allegations of election fraud, media censorship, and political repression are common in discussions of the government.

6. Museveni’s Foreign Policy and Regional Influence:

• East African Integration: Under Museveni, Uganda has been an active player in regional affairs, playing a prominent role in the East African Community (EAC). Uganda has contributed to peacekeeping efforts in Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan, positioning itself as a key regional player.
• International Relations: Museveni’s foreign policy has often aligned with the West, especially in matters of counterterrorism and regional stability. However, relations with some Western countries have been strained at times over human rights concerns.

7. Governance Challenges:

• Corruption: Corruption remains a significant challenge for the NRM government, with accusations of misuse of public funds and patronage politics. Transparency International and other watchdogs have raised concerns about government officials’ involvement in corrupt practices.
• Youth Unemployment and Poverty: Despite economic growth, youth unemployment remains high, and many Ugandans continue to live in poverty, particularly in rural areas. Critics argue that the government has not done enough to address the economic challenges faced by the majority of the population.
• Security and Human Rights: The NRM government has been accused of human rights violations, particularly regarding the treatment of political opponents, protesters, and dissenting voices. Uganda has also faced challenges with insurgencies and internal conflicts, such as the fight against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the north.

8. NRM Legacy and Museveni’s Role:

• Long Tenure: Museveni has been in power for over three decades, leading the NRM government through periods of stability and growth, but also controversy and opposition. His leadership has resulted in both significant achievements and considerable criticism.
• Succession and Future: With Museveni now in his 80s, discussions about succession and the future of the NRM government have become more urgent. The NRM’s hold on power remains strong, but the question of who will lead the country after Museveni is uncertain.

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