Video: Museveni, First Lady Janet Apologise to Ugandans for Mistakes Done during Their 40-Year Rule

• President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet publicly apologised for mistakes during their 40-year rule, acknowledging government failures and citizen suffering
• The apology, delivered at a religious event led by their daughter, marked a rare moment of public humility from Uganda’s top leadership
• They accepted responsibility for the actions of state agents under their watch, admitting many Ugandans felt neglected and forgotten
• The couple appealed for spiritual and national healing, urging a return to the founding ideals that once united the country

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kampala - In a striking and unprecedented move, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni have offered a joint apology for mistakes and failures committed during their four-decade rule.

The moment, marked by solemn reflection, comes as Uganda edges closer to the 2026 General Election amid growing political pressure and calls for change.

The power couple's apology was delivered in a carefully orchestrated session at a religious event led by their daughter, Pastor Patience Rwabwogo.

Standing side by side, the Musevenis read from a prepared prayer that acknowledged the shortcomings of their government and the burden it had placed on citizens.

Their tone was deliberate and humble, signalling a shift from the defiant posture often associated with the strong man.

"We acknowledge that we're human, have missed you and have made mistakes in one way or the other. Forgive us, oh Lord," they read, addressing the nation.

Their statement didn’t just touch on personal failure but extended to the broader machinery of the state.

The president and first lady accepted responsibility for the actions and inaction of government agents under their leadership, noting that many Ugandans have felt neglected, angry, and forgotten.

"As the top leaders of the movement, we have the responsibility of all the mistakes made by ourselves, our agents and representatives," the Musevenis said.

What is Museveni and his wife's prayer

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), once credited with ushering in stability after years of chaos, now faces a widening credibility gap.

Rising corruption, alleged human rights violations, and a sense of abandonment among the grassroots have led to increased criticism.

The couple’s language, measured and confessional, stood in stark contrast to the assertive image that has defined much of Museveni’s presidency.

Yet embedded within the apology was a reminder of their historical role and long political journey. They spoke of rekindling the bond between NRM and the people.

Their message ended with an emotional plea for spiritual and national restoration, appealing for a return to the founding ideals.

"We therefore stand here to repent and ask for your forgiveness and the forgiveness of the people of Buganda and the whole country. For restoration and favour. Lord, restore the favour that we had with them in the beginning. Bring healing into their hearts. Soften the hardened hearts and reconnect us to the original vision of our national unity and our unwavering commitment to social and economic transformation of our nation together," they said.

Will Museveni vie again in 2026?

Although Museveni has not publicly declared interest in retaining the presidential seat for the seventh term, close allies, including his son, General Muhoozi, have made it clear he will be seeking re-election in 2026.

In September 2024, Muhoozi, who had announced a bid to succeed his father in the upcoming general election, pulled out of the race and asked his supporters to back Museveni.

The decision came barely six months after Museveni launched a campaign and initiative to update the National Resistance Movement (NRM) voters' party register, signalling his desire to seek re-election.

If he wins the 2026 contest, the 80-year-old will become Africa's longest-serving president with a 45-year record of uninterrupted leadership.

Did someone attack Museveni?

Elsewhere, in Kawempe, Uganda, a young man wearing a T-shirt featuring General Muhoozi Kainerugaba reportedly sprinted toward Museveni, who remained seated and composed.

Plainclothes security personnel swiftly intercepted the man before he could reach the president.

The incident occurred at the Mbogo Mosque grounds during an NRM event supporting candidate Faridah Nambi.

Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this story with details on whether Museveni will vie again in 2026.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke