Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has strongly rebuked veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, who recently described him as an aging leader no longer capable of guiding the country.
Mwenda, long considered close to Museveni’s family — especially his son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba — has occasionally criticized government policies. But in April 2026, he escalated his critique, calling Museveni “old in body and mind” and accusing him of wasting state resources.
On May 13, Mwenda wrote: “One thing I’ve seen about Museveni for many years is the big gap between what he says and what he does. When he speaks, he convinces you. When he acts, you are shocked.”
On May 23, Museveni hit back:
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He insisted that at 82, he still has the strength to defend Uganda “with the Bible, an AK‑47, and a pen.”
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He accused Mwenda of ignoring successful projects like Kiira Motors, which assembles buses and cars.
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He highlighted Uganda’s industrial progress, including 10 gold refineries and exports worth $7.48 billion, as well as growth in agriculture and manufacturing.
Museveni dismissed Mwenda as part of “colonial‑minded elites” who undermine African industrialization by favoring raw exports.
Museveni compared Uganda’s industrial journey to his own guerrilla struggle with the NRA in the 1980s: initial failures at Kabamba military base eventually led to victory. “Failure teaches lessons that lead to success,” he said, accusing Mwenda of being a “prophet of doom.”
The clash underscores tensions between Uganda’s long‑serving president and intellectual critics. While Museveni points to 6.3% annual economic growth, Mwenda’s critiques resonate with those questioning governance and resource management.