By John Kusolo*
In a recent X Spaces discussion titled "Celebrating the Legacy of President Museveni," the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, addressed the ongoing dialogue surrounding President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership. As the President turns 80, there have been growing calls for a generational transition, with voices suggesting it may be time for someone else to take up the mantle. Todwong, however, took a measured approach in responding to these sentiments.
Balancing Legacy with the Future
Todwong acknowledged the significance of the calls for new leadership, particularly from younger generations within the NRM and the wider Ugandan populace. "Yes, Mzee has worked so hard; he is 80, and therefore, he should allow other young people to come in," he remarked, recognizing the validity of such opinions. Yet, he emphasized that any decision about Museveni’s future would be rooted in the collective voice and decision of the NRM, a party that Museveni has built and led for decades.
The Secretary General reiterated that the NRM is a democratic organization that will engage in a thorough and participatory process when the time comes to discuss leadership succession. "At the right time, the party will discuss that and make recommendations," Todwong assured. He highlighted that Museveni’s mentorship has produced a wealth of potential leaders within the NRM, yet the country still benefits from his guidance and stewardship.
*Stability and Experience in a Volatile Region*
A key point in Todwong’s remarks was the importance of stability, both within Uganda and across the broader Great Lakes region. Uganda's position as a landlocked country in a geopolitically sensitive region requires experienced leadership. According to Todwong, Museveni has been instrumental in stabilizing the region and ensuring that Uganda remains a key player in regional security dynamics. “What Mzee has been able to do to stabilize the Great Lakes region speaks volumes for Uganda,” Todwong asserted, emphasizing Museveni’s role as a regional leader.
Todwong also noted that the demand for Museveni to continue his leadership comes not only from within the NRM but also from the broader Ugandan population. “There is a lot of demand from the population from around the country that Mzee should continue leading this country for some bit of time, based on what people feel,” he explained, highlighting the connection many Ugandans still feel with Museveni’s leadership.
*Mentorship and the Role of Gen. Muhoozi*
In his remarks, Todwong acknowledged the contributions of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son, who has increasingly stepped into leadership roles within the security apparatus. Muhoozi, according to Todwong, has been exposed to the same challenges and dynamics that have shaped Museveni’s leadership and understands the complexities of both national and regional governance. “Comrade General Muhoozi is doing the same, and he has been exposed to so many of these challenges and understands these dynamics,” Todwong said.
While the discussion of succession remains a sensitive topic, Todwong assured that the party is closely observing these developments and will respond appropriately when the time comes.
*A Shared Celebration*
Concluding his remarks, Todwong expressed gratitude for the widespread support that Museveni continues to receive, not just from within the NRM but also from opposition leaders and ordinary Ugandans. "That is the democracy that the NRA and NRM fought for. We are all in this celebration, both those in government and those in opposition," Todwong reflected. He stressed that Museveni’s legacy is a national one, celebrated by people across the political spectrum.
As President Museveni marks 80 years, Todwong placed his future in the hands of God, expressing confidence that the president still has much to offer Uganda. "We put him in God's hands, and may God keep guiding him and protecting him because we all believe that God still has a lot of work for him to do for us," Todwong concluded.
The remarks made by Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong capture the essence of the current debate about Uganda’s future leadership, recognizing both the calls for generational change and the enduring demand for Museveni’s leadership in a region that still faces significant challenges.
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