Uganda Today Edition: “If We Gave Wars a Chance and Things Didn’t Work, Given ‘Elections’ a Chance Still Things Haven’t Worked — Why Don’t We Give Dialogue a Chance?”

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this letter are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Uganda Today. As a platform committed to the principles of press freedom, we strive to provide a space for all citizens and thinkers to express their views, especially on matters of national importance. 

Second Honest Letter to President Museveni:

“If We Gave Wars a Chance and Things Didn’t Work, Given ‘Elections’ a Chance Still Things Haven’t Worked — Why Don’t We Give Dialogue a Chance?”

By Norman Tumuhimbise 

A Realist’s Appeal to a Nation at Crossroads

Dear Mr. President,

I still maintain that you are not as “alright” as many around you would like the public to believe. To continue ignoring the cracks in Uganda’s political and social foundations is akin to burying our heads in the sand.

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Mr. President, I speak not as an alarmist, but as an African realist—grounded in fate and the laws of nature, shaped by lived experience. Who could have predicted that Pope Francis would pass on just hours after leading Easter prayers? Yet such is the law of nature—unpredictable, unbiased, and absolute.

Had the Catholic Church not been grounded on centuries of institutional resilience, the Vatican would today be engulfed in chaos. Similarly, the state of Uganda demands serious structural and ideological preparation beyond your tenure.

Uganda’s Future After You

At 40 years, while I may not have the height of a giraffe to see far, I am no political dwarf. I see a nation on edge, led by a man increasingly overwhelmed by a population whose public smiles mask deep, boiling anger. This anger festers because you, and those who benefit from your leadership, choose to keep your eyes tightly shut.

In my previous letter, I asked: When a politically blacked-out nation catches fire, who among us—with integrity and influence—will be capable of extinguishing those flames once you are gone?

National Feedback and an Icon’s Endorsement

Following that letter, I received feedback—some positive, others laced with threats. Among the affirming voices was the renowned Pan-Africanist, Prof. PLO Lumumba, who remarked: “This is a candid, patriotic, and bold statement. I hope President Museveni will read it positively.”

A cross-section of Ugandans—silent patriots—reached out, thanking me for articulating their unspoken concerns. Among them was a senior government insider troubled by the partisan political activities of your son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, while still serving as Chief of Defence Forces.

Cabinet Dissent and Muhoozi’s Political Role

I have it on good authority that this concern was raised during the April 7, 2025 Cabinet meeting. Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi reportedly voiced concern, but was quickly gagged and mocked by Hon. Balaam Barugahara, who questioned Baryomunsi’s understanding of NRM doctrine. Mr. President, do you truly believe Balaam’s ridicule serves your legacy, or your son’s future?

Your silence on these matters—Muhoozi’s conduct, political prisoners, the parliamentary cash scandals, and daily injustices—will not age well.

A Party in Disarray

Nor will the silence on the internal rot within the NRM. How does someone who ran as an independent, Hon. Jesca Alupo, chair the NRM caucus? What moral authority does that confer?

Now to the question few dare ask: When you are gone, will your family be safe to walk Kampala Road without protection? The honest answer is no. That fact alone should disturb all peace-loving Ugandans. For it highlights not your strength, but the fragility of the peace you’ve curated around yourself.

The Tree and the Flower: A Call for Equity

Mr. President, allow me to offer a metaphor: In a just forest, a towering tree does not belittle a small flower. Both share the soil. And in such equity, the tree must shelter the flower. One day, the tree will fall, and the flower may rise. That is the law of natural justice.

We do not ask for much—just a peaceful transition while you still live to guide it. The crooks surrounding you—in your family, in NRM, and in opposition—will not save this country from collapse in your absence.

Giving Dialogue a Chance

Uganda gave war a chance, costing us dearly. Uganda gave elections a chance, and still we struggle. Mr. President, it is time to give dialogue a chance—a sincere, inclusive national conversation involving every region and voice, aimed at shaping a future Uganda without you.

This proposed dialogue is not a ploy to take your power, but a safety net for those you love—and for a country standing on the edge. Your protection is guaranteed by convoys and soldiers, but your security lies in peace—peace that dialogue can build.

Let us give dialogue the same chance we gave war and elections.

Yours sincerely,
Norman Tumuhimbise
Author of six books | Four-time state abductee | Son of Uganda’s longest-serving army sergeant
Email: teamleader@alternativeuganda.org
WhatsApp: +256 703 006 163 | Direct Calls: 📞+256 200-955-155

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