Uganda: Museveni - Nation That Forgets Its History Cannot Understand Its Future

What the report says

President Yoweri Museveni used a message delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo at the 9th Benedicto Kiwanuka Memorial Lecture to argue that a nation must understand its history to make sense of the present and plan for the future. The remarks, reported by Nile Post and republished by AllAfrica, were made in Kampala on 16 September 2026 during an event hosted by the Judiciary.

Museveni said the annual lecture should be seen as more than a tribute to an individual. He framed it as a chance to reflect on Uganda’s political and institutional development, the country’s efforts to build constitutional order, and the continuing duty of citizens to promote justice, peace and stability. The lecture commemorates Benedicto Kiwanuka, Uganda’s first Chief Justice and a notable figure in the country’s legal and political history.

Chief Justice Flavian Zeija also spoke at the event and echoed the call to learn from Uganda’s past in order to protect its future. He said the memorial should prompt reflection on the judiciary’s role and on the struggle to establish constitutional order. Zeija emphasized access to justice for all people, regardless of wealth, status, location or vulnerability. He also said the real test of justice is not only how many cases courts close, but whether people experience the process as fair, impartial and trustworthy.