By Our Reporter,
KAMPALA
During the Light Up Uganda for Jesus Mission 2025 convention held on May 25 at Kololo Independence Grounds—an event hosted by Pastor Patience Rwabwogo and her husband Odrek Rwabwogo, President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni issued a rare public apology to the Kingdom and people of Buganda. They acknowledged past wrongdoings that may have strained relations with the region and called for renewed unity.
“We acknowledge that we are human, that we have failed you, and that mistakes have been made in one way or another. Forgive us, oh Lord,” the First Couple declared. “As the top leaders of the Movement, we humbly take responsibility for all the mistakes made by ourselves, our agents, and representatives.”
The President and First Lady added, “We stand here to repent and ask for your forgiveness, especially from the people of Buganda and the entire nation. There has been marked laxity, negligence, and lack of diligence.”
The apology comes at a time when Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) has seen declining political support in Buganda, a key political and economic region, amid growing strength of opposition parties. With Uganda preparing for the 2026 presidential elections, political analysts speculate that the gesture may be aimed at regaining political ground in the region.
However, youth political activist Augustine Ojobile has responded with sharp criticism. Speaking on The Typical Ugandan show on Ark Television, Ojobile stated that Museveni’s apology would only be meaningful if it is accompanied by his resignation to allow a peaceful transition of power.
According to Ojobile, Museveni has repeatedly undermined the constitution—first by removing presidential term limits, then by abolishing the age limit—to entrench his hold on power. “The apology can only be acceptable if it is followed by action—specifically, Museveni stepping down to allow a peaceful transition rather than presiding over another violent election,” he asserted.
Ojobile also called for compensation for those displaced by land grabbing and for victims of livestock theft, particularly in Northern and Eastern Uganda, and the Luwero sub-region. Furthermore, he demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners detained before, during, and after the 2021 elections.
Lydia Bwite, a fellow panelist on the show, described the gesture as a “political apology,” cautioning that its significance will only be measured by the actions that follow.
In defense of the apology, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Kyeyune Ssenyonjo welcomed it as timely and strategic. “The apology will help the NRM win massively in Buganda in the upcoming elections,” he said. Ssenyonjo urged Ugandans to accept the apology and support the President. Quoting St. Just, he added, “Nobody is innocent. Nobody can rule guiltlessly.” He called on citizens to stand by the President while holding him accountable for necessary improvements.
