Andrew Mwenda is a well-known Ugandan journalist who has played a key role in the political scene of Uganda and East Africa.
His career has given him the chance to build close relationships with some of the region’s most powerful leaders, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, and Uganda’s General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Mwenda is not afraid to speak his mind. Over the years, he has been both a critic and a supporter of the leaders he interacts with.
In the early stages of his career, Mwenda criticized President Museveni, especially when he believed the country was heading toward a political monarchy.
This criticism created tension between them, but despite their disagreements, Mwenda’s relationship with Museveni has survived.
He acknowledges that Museveni has tolerated his criticism, which has helped maintain their connection over the years.
While his relationship with Museveni has been complex, Mwenda has built a close connection with Muhoozi, the son of Museveni and a rising political figure in Uganda.
Mwenda has known Muhoozi since they were in secondary school, and now he is deeply involved in helping Muhoozi’s presidential campaign.
Mwenda believes that Muhoozi’s leadership will bring a change to Uganda’s political system.
He supports a system where coalition-building and shared governance take priority, moving away from the current winner-takes-all system.
Mwenda also holds President Kagame of Rwanda in high regard. He admires Kagame for the way he has transformed Rwanda, especially its capital city, Kigali, which Mwenda describes as clean and organized—something he feels Uganda is lacking.
Mwenda appreciates Kagame’s leadership and the progress Rwanda has made under his rule. However, Mwenda also believes that, like Museveni, Kagame should step down when the time is right, once he feels tired of power.
In addition to his political involvement, Mwenda is a successful media entrepreneur, running influential outlets like The Independent.
His unique position as both a journalist and an advisor to political leaders gives him a rare perspective on the political developments in Uganda and the wider East African region.
Link;
https://www.theafricareport.com/333320/andrew-mwenda-describes-his-friendship-with-museveni-kagame-and-muhoozi/