Uganda Marks 40 Years of Museveni’s Rule Amid Celebration and Criticism
KAMPALA—Uganda commemorated the 40th anniversary of the National Resistance Army’s capture of the capital on Thursday with official celebrations praising national progress, even as opposition voices and independent media highlighted unmet promises and persistent challenges.
Under the theme “A Tribute to the Patriots Who Ushered in the Fundamental Change,” the state-organized Liberation Day events featured military parades and the awarding of medals to 33 citizens. Senior officials presented a narrative of transformation, citing economic and infrastructural gains since President Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986.
Key statistics showcased included Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product rising from $3.9 billion to over $66 billion, paved road networks expanding from roughly 1,000 kilometers to 6,000 kilometers, and access to electricity increasing to more than 60% of households.
President Museveni, who was re-elected in a contested January poll with 71.65% of the vote, used the occasion to reiterate his government’s commitment to peace, poverty eradication, and sustained economic growth. During the celebrations, his son offered a prayer for “40 more years” of his father’s leadership, a statement likely to fuel debates about political succession and longevity.
However, the anniversary was met with mixed reflections. Independent daily The Daily Monitor ran a front-page headline declaring “40 years of no change,” encapsulating a sentiment echoed by opposition figures and critics. They pointed to enduring poverty, alleged repression of dissent, and what they describe as unfulfilled pledges for genuine democratic reform.
The day underscored the deep divisions in Ugandan society between the official story of liberation and development and the lived experiences of many citizens who say fundamental changes in governance and economic equity remain elusive.
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