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Ugandans are reading deep into and analysing remarks made by First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni during the recent Light Up Uganda For Jesus Mission Crusade held on May 24 at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Addressing the crowd, Janet Museveni spoke passionately about “the crossing” — the event’s chosen theme — describing it as “quite emotional” and one that brought tears to her eyes.
She said Uganda was undergoing what she termed as a “transition period," and called it a “destiny-defining moment”
“The enemy always attacks and derails the destiny of the people and the nation during the time of transition,” she said.
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“This will demand of us total obedience to God. We have a real enemy contending for the destiny of our nation.”
Her message was interpreted by many as signalling uncertain times ahead, stirring speculation on social media about what the First Family might be anticipating as the 2026 elections approach.
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Joint Apology Fuels Speculation on Political Future
During the same event, President Yoweri Museveni and the First Lady jointly apologised to Ugandans, particularly the Baganda people, for what they termed as “laxity, negligence and lack of diligence providing services to the region.”
They acknowledged growing dissatisfaction among their grassroots supporters who felt “used and forgotten.”
This rare admission of shortcomings came only months before the presidential election and raised questions about the future of Museveni’s long-standing regime, which has lasted 40 years.
Journalist Canary Mugume asked, “What does the First Family know, what we don’t?”
Political analyst Timothy Kalegira suggested that the current term (2021–2026) was supposed to be Museveni’s last, but alleged internal pressures within the family have influenced a possible extension.
Others, like King Melvin, expressed guarded caution: “Only they know what game they are playing this time. The rest of us are just watching… No one is getting away with fooling us twice.”
Signs of Change Amid Leadership Fatigue
Observers note unusual developments within the military that might hint at a political transition.
Mark Munywanisa pointed out a recent UPDF assembly at Kololo dubbed a “drill competition” which took place in the absence of Museveni, a first in his four decades of rule.
While the president has yet to confirm whether he will seek re-election in 2026, growing commentary from supporters and analysts alike portrays him as physically and mentally fatigued.
Andrew Mwenda, a known ally, recently described Museveni as “physically and mentally exhausted,” adding to the air of uncertainty surrounding Uganda’s political future.
Janet Museveni’s heartfelt remarks on transition have thus ignited debate and concern, with many Ugandans questioning what changes the coming months might bring for the nation’s leadership and destiny.