By Aggrey Baba
[When the hunter forgets the prey, the spear turns against the people], and as Uganda marked National Liberation Day in Mubende on Sunday, January 26, 2025, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) celebrated 39 years in leadership.
But while the drums of liberation were beaten loudly, cracks in the nation’s foundation have grown too large to ignore. Dr. Sarah Bireete, a prominent Ugandan lawyer, human rights defender, and political activist, through a post on her official X (formerly twitter) account has offered a damning critique of M7 President Yoweri Kaguta M7’s legacy, questioning whether the promises of 1986 were ever truly fulfilled.
Dr. Bireete argues that the only honest way to evaluate Museveni’s 39-year reign is through his own words, particularly the Ten-Point Program he used to rally Ugandans behind him in 1986. “He talked about Point 5; building an independent economy, but brushed over Point 7, which is about eliminating corruption and misuse of power,” she said. “The truth is, under his leadership, Uganda loses UGX 10 trillion annually to corruption, but he pushes the blame to local councils instead of addressing the systemic rot.”
She further pointed to the overwhelming misuse of military power by the president and his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the CDF. “We are choking on this abuse,” she said, highlighting the growing trend of threatening citizens on social media and the prosecution of civilians in military courts. “This isn’t liberation. It’s suppression, dressed in the same uniform that promised freedom decades ago.”
Dr. Bireete’s criticism cuts deep, especially as Museveni continues to position himself as the cornerstone of Uganda’s progress.
But for many, her words echo the sentiment of a nation still grappling with inequality, corruption, and abuse of power. “The promises of 1986 now sound hollow,” she said. “Instead of liberation, we are bound by new chains of, military intimidation, institutional decay, and unchecked corruption.”
As Museveni celebrates 39 years in power, the question which lingers is, [When the tree bears bitter fruit, does one continue watering it, or plant anew?]
Dr. Bireete’s reflections are a stark reminder that for many Ugandans, the struggle for true liberation remains far from over.(For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
