By Aggrey Baba
[A humble leader is like a tree that bends with the wind, it stands tall but never breaks]. Recently, in Kamuli, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni once again proved his humility when he did something unexpected. He stood up and raised his hand upon the request of a young leader.
Asumani Nololo, the Kamuli district youth chairperson and a member of the Busoga NRM Youth League, took the stage with confidence.
According to Sunday vision, the 34-year-old, small in stature but bold in speech, addressed the gathering as Museveni listened attentively. Then came the moment that left many in disbelief.
“Mzee, we the Baidukulu (grandchildren) request that you stand up, raise your right hand, and acknowledge our endorsement of you as our sole Presidential candidate as we prepare for the generational transition,” Nololo declared.
Without hesitation, Museveni stood up and raised his hand. The crowd erupted into wild cheers, clapping and praising both Nololo’s courage and Museveni’s willingness to comply. Murmurs of admiration swept through the audience, since few had ever witnessed a leader of Museveni’s class responding so simply to a direct request from a small boy.
For some political analysts, this moment was surprising. In Uganda, instructing the President to stand up and raise his hand could easily be seen as an overstep, even a breach of protocol. Yet, Museveni, who was on a tour assessing the Parish Development Model in Busoga, responded without hesitation, showing that leadership is not just about power but about connecting with the people.
Nololo also asked the President to “remember, protect, and maintain” senior party figures like Hajji Moses Kigongo and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga in their NRM Central Executive Committee positions. His words carried weight, emphasizing the need for continuity in leadership.
Born in Mbulamuti Town Council, Nololo has spent the past decade mobilizing the youth in Kamuli, rallying support for Kadaga and President Museveni. His moment in the spotlight was a testament to his influence.
Museveni’s humility served as a lesson, that true leadership is not just about commanding authority but also about listening and responding, even when the request comes from an ordinary citizen.
Museveni’s response that day was a reminder that, no matter how high one rises, humility remains the foundation of great leadership. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
