By David Serumaga
The proverb, “If there is honey, the bees will come from nine mountains away,” suggests that people are naturally drawn to good leadership. This wisdom speaks to the recent debate surrounding opposition leaders who met President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 5 February 2026 at State House, Entebbe.
Among those criticised was Mawokota South MP, Senior Counsel Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Whip in Parliament, alongside leaders from the National Unity Platform (NUP), the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), and the Democratic Party (DP).
Some FDC members accused Hon. Nsibambi of betrayal, arguing that the party had not sanctioned the meeting. However, leadership transcends party lines. As national leaders, they are entitled to engage in dialogue on matters of peace, reconciliation, and national stability—especially in the aftermath of tense general elections.
For years, allegations have circulated that certain opposition figures secretly meet the President for personal benefit. In contrast, Hon. Nsibambi and his colleagues made their engagement public, demonstrating transparency rather than secrecy.
Critics have also remained silent in other instances of cross-political engagement. For example, Gen. Salim Saleh previously made public statements regarding his support to Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Similarly, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among publicly thanked President Museveni for financial assistance toward the overseas medical treatment of Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze.
President Museveni’s leadership, marked by Pan-Africanism and strategic statecraft, has earned him continental and global recognition. State House Entebbe has often served as a venue for dialogue and peace-building efforts, positioning Uganda as a diplomatic hub in the region.
Since assuming power in 1986 under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Museveni inherited a country grappling with economic collapse and insecurity. His administration introduced socio-economic reforms aimed at restoring stability, addressing insecurity, and rebuilding essential services.
Over the decades, Uganda’s economy has expanded significantly, with notable growth in GDP per capita, improved healthcare outcomes, expanded immunisation coverage, and broader access to education. Infrastructure development has included road network expansion, increased electricity generation, and advancements in telecommunications, contributing to digital access and youth employment opportunities.
Uganda has also become one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nations, accommodating approximately 1.5 million refugees. Regionally, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has participated in peacekeeping and stabilisation missions in Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic.
Museveni’s government has been credited with early successes in combating HIV/AIDS and implementing measures to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given this record, engaging the President in dialogue can be viewed not as political betrayal but as an opportunity for national consultation and learning. Leadership requires openness to dialogue across political divides.
To critics of Hon. Nsibambi and his colleagues, the question remains: who would genuinely decline an opportunity to learn from decades of governance experience?
The writer works with the Uganda Media Centre and is a student of law.
