Dear next government, it should not be power for power’s sake

What the report says

The Observer published a viewpoint column by Yusuf Kajura, a political theorist based at Makerere University, reflecting on President Yoweri Museveni’s long hold on power and urging Uganda’s future leaders to treat power as a tool for national transformation rather than an end in itself. The article opens with Kajura recalling his time as a junior subeditor at The Independent magazine, where he edited Andrew Mwenda’s column and discussed Mwenda’s argument that Museveni had mastered the political tactics needed to remain in office.

Kajura writes that, even if Museveni’s ability to retain power is acknowledged, the more important question is what Uganda has gained from it after roughly four decades. He argues that government defenders often point to peace and stability, but says peace alone should not be the main return from such a long period in power. In support of his criticism, he cites government-related figures including low earnings among working Ugandans, hunger affecting millions, mental health pressures, and famine in Karamoja, while also faulting gaps in public transport, health services and economic sovereignty.

The column further criticizes what Kajura describes as “pseudo-development” programmes, including Entandikwa, NUSAF, Parish Development Model, Emyooga and other initiatives, arguing that such schemes have not resolved poverty and may function politically as tools of control. He also objects to the dominance of foreign capital in banking, telecoms, mining and exports.

Looking beyond Museveni, Kajura names possible future political actors such as Robert Kyagulanyi, Nandala Mafabi and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and calls for the next government to adopt a clearer ideological and long-term development agenda. The piece matters as part of Uganda’s continuing public debate over succession, governance and the legacy of the Museveni era.