“You’ll Soon Die Of Blood Pressure” Museveni Mocks Those Asking About His Retirement

Prompted by Daily Monitor’s Elizabeth Kamurungi, President Museveni used his Friday night news conference to mock those eager to learn about his retirement plans as Uganda’s apex leader.

The Rwakitura resident asserted that he would address this matter in 2026, in accordance with the ruling NRM party’s considerations, akin to the resolution of the multi-partism issue in 2005.

Museveni reflected on the controversial return of multi-partism, emphasizing internal differences within NRM but ultimately achieving harmony. He drew parallels to the complex decision in 1989 to host ANC guerillas, highlighting ministerial divisions.

Despite concerns about potential conflict with South Africa, a small, war-torn Uganda accommodated ANC, with its GDP at a mere Shs50bn, pre-oil discovery.During his year-end briefing, attended by Premier Robinah Nabanja and Ministers Chris Baryomunsi and Ruth Nankabirwa, Museveni tackled the transition question.

He contended that resolving succession is simpler than multi-partism restoration or hosting ANC guerillas. Dismissing calls for his retirement declaration, he stressed the need to focus on pressing issues, including countering Western pressure on gay rights and prioritizing wealth creation and anti-corruption efforts.

Museveni underscored wealth creation examples like State Minister Fred Byamukama’s successful four-acre model, earning Shs55m monthly. He urged the media to deliberately amplify the fight against corruption and wealth creation on their platforms instead of fixating on his retirement date.

During the same news conference, Gen Museveni pronounced himself on wetland and forests encroachment in relation to recent notification by European Union (which buys up to 60% of Uganda’s coffee-related exports) that exportation/importation of all Ugandan coffee planted on what is supposed to be forest or wet lands won’t be permitted access anywhere on market under the 28-member bloc.

The President said for once he was in total agreement with Europeans-blocking access to their lucrative market as a means to protect environment-forests and wetlands.The veteran leader from Rwakitura also spoke about missing persons, potholes in Kampala and land use and management-related chaos in the country.

He was very clear those engaging in land grabbing and violent evictions will firmly be dealt with besides making it clear he will soon issue an executive order prescribing severe sanctioning of soldiers who engage in acts that aid land grabbing and evictions.

He also updated journalists on the progress being made by UPDF under anti-ADF operations inside DR Congo, the cooperation and support of whose President Felix Tshisekedi he commended as very helpful in the anti-Allied Democratic Forces offensive inside one of Africa’s largest yet unstable country so far incapable of effectively governing itself.