Museveni Blames Low Voter Turnout on Opposition Intimidation

KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday used the 40th Liberation Day celebrations at Kololo National Ceremonial Grounds to hit out at the opposition while underscoring what he described as four decades of national transformation under the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Addressing thousands of supporters, government officials, diplomats and veterans on Monday, Museveni dismissed critics who have questioned the meaning of liberation under his long rule, saying detractors were distorting history and undermining Uganda’s progress.

“We have liberated this country and transformed its economy. Those who spend their time criticizing do not understand where we have come from,” Museveni said, rebuking opposition leaders for what he termed “wasting time” and discouraging voters. He reiterated earlier comments that low turnout among NRM supporters in the January 15 elections was partly due to intimidation attributed to opposition activities — a claim rights groups and opposition figures have denied.

The President also took aim directly at opposition figures, saying that had all his supporters turned up at the polls, “there would be no opposition in Uganda,” a remark that drew mixed reactions from attendees and sparked debate across political divides.

Museveni’s comments come amid sustained political tension following a contested election that saw him secure another term with more than 70 percent of the vote. Opposition leaders, including Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), have rejected the results and alleged irregularities, a position that has drawn criticism from international observers.

Turning to his government’s record, Museveni outlined what he said were major socio-economic advances since the NRM came to power in 1986. Central to his address was the claim that about 70 percent of Ugandans are now participating in the money economy, a dramatic rise from the low levels of monetized economic activity in earlier decades. He credited this shift to state-led wealth creation programmes, diversification of the economy, value addition and the emergence of a knowledge-based economy.

“Our economy has moved from recovery after years of instability to one that is growing at about seven percent annually,” Museveni said, noting that Uganda’s macroeconomic performance is set to improve further when oil production begins.

He also highlighted government efforts to tighten accountability in development programmes, warning that officials who misdirect funds under initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) would face arrest.

Museveni said Uganda’s present growth path is underpinned by strategies that focus on agro-industrialisation, tourism, value addition and expanding access to education and health services — milestones he said reflected the NRM’s long-term vision.

While supporters cheered Museveni’s remarks and celebrated what they described as a historic anniversary, opposition leaders have continued to challenge both the narrative of progress and the legitimacy of the election process. Critics argue that the liberation ideals of democratic governance and accountability have been eroded over time, pointing to human rights concerns, restricted civic space and economic hardships faced by many Ugandans.

As the celebrations wrapped up, political analysts said Museveni’s speech was aimed as much at consolidating his political base as it was at setting the tone for his new term in office.

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