Ugandan President Museveni Issues Rare Public Apology Amid 40 Years of Rule

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni publicly apologized for governance failures and citizen neglect during their 40-year rule in a rare display of humility ahead of the 2026 general elections. Delivered at a religious event led by their daughter, the joint prayer of repentance acknowledged corruption, negligence, and the alienation of grassroots supporters, especially in the Buganda region. The apology extended responsibility to government agents and sought forgiveness while appealing for national healing and a return to the unity and transformation ideals. However, critics dismissed the apology as a political maneuver, suggesting it would be more meaningful if Museveni announced retirement. Separately, President Museveni urged Ugandan Muslims to pray for peace during their pilgrimage to Mecca and encouraged wealth creation through agriculture, with the state fully funding the Hajj pilgrimage for 100 Muslims. He emphasized leadership by example to combat poverty and promoted the four-acre model for small landholders.