Uganda is fortunate to have President Museveni, declares veteran politician Nsibambi

Yusuf Nsibambi, the outgoing Member of Parliament for Mawokota South, has expressed strong support for President Yoweri Museveni, suggesting that Uganda has been fortunate to have him as leader since 1986.

In a recent interview, Nsibambi, who transitioned from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), painted a somber picture of the opposition landscape. He critiqued the strategies employed by opposition parties, particularly the FDC, which he felt had become confrontational and counterproductive.

Nsibambi detailed his disillusionment with the FDC, citing a divergence in political strategy with party stalwart Dr. Kizza Besigye. According to Nsibambi, Besigye’s focus on extra-parliamentary mobilization and a rejection of elective politics hindered meaningful progress. He also expressed concerns about the lack of functional structures and sustained activity within the FDC, describing it as a “paper tiger.”

His interactions with President Museveni have led him to believe that the President is a receptive leader with a capable think tank. Nsibambi suggested that a cooperative approach, rather than confrontation, allows for opposition ideas to be considered and even adopted by the government, especially given Museveni’s significant electoral mandate.

The former MP also touched upon the challenges faced by young people, attributing some of the opposition’s appeal to issues like unemployment. He stressed the importance of providing tangible solutions, such as job creation and skills development programs, alongside political advocacy.

Reflecting on his own electoral defeat, Nsibambi acknowledged the commercialization of politics and the immediate needs of ordinary voters as significant factors. He also discussed his personal contributions to his constituency, including infrastructure and educational support, noting that voters’ choices can sometimes be driven by immediate concerns.

Nsibambi concluded by emphasizing the need for strong, democratic institutions across all political parties and broader stakeholder engagement to ensure a stable transition and effective governance in Uganda. He believes that genuine progress requires checks and balances, accountability, and a focus on systemic improvements rather than just leadership changes.

This article is based on reporting from the Daily Monitor.