In every election cycle, history is summoned to the dock, not as a witness to be questioned, but as an exhibit to be defended. In Uganda’s current political season, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s enduring slogan, “Protecting the Gains,” has re-emerged with renewed force and urgency. I
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — One figure looms large ahead of Uganda's elections Thursday, although he is not on the ballot: the president's son and military commander, Muhoozi Kainerugaba.Kainerugaba, long believed to be the eventual successor, stood down for his father, President Yoweri Musev
The army’s acting spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi confirmed that patrols had begun in the capital city but stressed there was “no cause for alarm.” Ahead of next week’s general elections, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have announced increased patrols in Kampala, as
There are moments in a nation’s life when an external decision, seemingly adverse, even unfair, forces an uncomfortable but necessary reckoning.The recent tightening of United States visa conditions for Ugandans, including the introduction of substantial visa bonds, is one such moment. I
Police officers at the entrance to National Unity Platform headquarters in Kampala in 2021. Photo by Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP via Getty ImagesUganda’s police have long faced criticism for politically charged interventions. These include episodes in which lethal force has been used in ways tha
Research shows Uganda’s police operate as a pillar of the ruling NRM, shaping campaigns, suppressing opposition and mobilising youth ahead of the 2026 elections, raising concerns over partisan policing.How Uganda’s police became Museveni’s political weapon ahead of the 2026 elections
KAMPALA, Uganda — Opposition leader Kizza Besigye decried what he called ongoing persecution Tuesday as the High Court entered not guilty pleas on his behalf after he and two co-accused refused to respond to amended treason charges.The retired colonel told Justice Emmanuel Baguma that he
“There are individuals paid to tarnish my personality and, on several occasions, pronounce me dead, but I have always turned up alive,” First Deputy Premier and Kamuli District Woman MP Rebecca Kadaga declared, addressing circulating rumours about her death. Kadaga blamed the false claims on
Supporters of Uganda's opposition leader Kizza Besigye participate in the 'walk to work' campaign that protests higher food and fuel prices in Kalerwe suburb on Thursday, April 21, 2011 (Photo/Ronald Kabuubi/AP)By Oweyegha-AfunaduulaI do not usually argue with my children, whose age
Kampala streets in 1960sUganda’s development story is shaped by two powerful histories.The first is our real, lived past. Before colonialism, Uganda had functioning kingdoms, trade networks and organised communities. This was violently disrupted by European colonization – a clea
