For nearly four decades, President Yoweri Museveni has ruled Uganda with an iron grip — but what began as a promise to restore democracy has evolved into something far more dangerous: a personalized system of governance rooted in nepotism, cronyism, and authoritarianism. Today, Uganda is less a democratic republic and more a modern-day monarchy, where power lies not in institutions but in bloodlines — a system best described as the Museveni Kingdom.
This kingdom’s inner circle reads like a family register. At the heart of this dynasty is Museveni’s immediate family. His wife, Janet Museveni, serves as the Minister of Education, while their son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, holds the powerful position of Chief of Uganda’s Defence Forces. Museveni’s brother, Salim Saleh, is a Presidential Adviser and former Minister, and his daughter, Natasha Museveni Karugire, is the Presidential Assistant in Charge of Household at State House.
But the family ties don’t stop there. Museveni’s cousins, nieces, and nephews are scattered throughout the government, holding influential positions in various ministries and departments. Bright Rwamirama, a cousin, is the Minister for Animal Industry, while Shedrack Nzeire, a stepbrother, serves as Senior Presidential Advisor on Defense. Even Museveni’s in-laws have secured key positions, including Sam Kutesa, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and father-in-law of Muhoozi.
This web of family connections has created a culture of cronyism, where loyalty to the Museveni family is rewarded with power and influence. The consequences are dire. Uganda’s democratic institutions are being undermined, and the rule of law is being eroded. The concentration of power in the hands of a single family has created a climate of fear, where dissenting voices are silenced and opposition is crushed.
Like Mali once did, Uganda needs a Moussa Traoré moment — a turning point where the grip of dynastic rule is broken and the nation is returned to its rightful owners: the people.
The consequences for the nation are devastating. This kingdom suppresses freedom of expression, crushes political dissent, and undermines democracy. The media is intimidated, opposition figures are harassed, and civil society is weakened. Meanwhile, public institutions — instead of serving the people — serve the Museveni dynasty. As long as loyalty to the throne outweighs competence, corruption thrives and services falter.
Furthermore, by turning the state into a hereditary project, Museveni has destroyed any meaningful distinction between public office and private interest. Ministries, military offices, and advisory roles are held by relatives whose primary qualification is their proximity to power. It’s a royal court in all but name.
This tightly knit network ensures one thing — absolute control. Like a kingdom, positions are distributed based on loyalty and lineage, not merit. Uganda has been transformed into an exclusive political club where family ties guarantee access, privilege, and protection. Those outside the royal circle find themselves systematically sidelined, silenced, or surveilled.
In this kingdom, criticism is treason, and alternative voices are threats to be neutralized. The people of Uganda live under a regime where fear, favoritism, and family govern the land. What should be a government of the people has become a dynastic monarchy, centered not on democracy, but on dynasty.
Uganda deserves better than a family-run state. The dream of a democratic, inclusive society will only become reality when the walls of the Museveni Kingdom fall — and the people reclaim their right to rule themselves. Like Mali once did, Uganda needs a Moussa Traoré moment — a turning point where the grip of dynastic rule is broken and the nation is returned to its rightful owners: the people.
