Inside Museveni's Strategic Retreat from International Travel

President Museveni last crossed the Atlantic for official duty in 2022 and has since restricted his travels to the region and at 80, it looks like a solid strategic retreat that leaves Transatlantic duties to his deputies

NATIONAL | In December 2022, President Museveni made his last official transatlantic flight aboard his Gulfstream V SP, attending the US-Africa Summit in Washington, DC. 

Since then, the Ugandan Head of State has delegated international responsibilities to require travels across the Atlantic to Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanjah, limiting his own travels primarily to regional engagements.

Over the past two years, President Museveni has only been to Pretoria in South Africa once; Zanzibar twice; Arusha in Tanzania once; and Nairobi, Kenya, about three times.

 For a leader who has governed Uganda for four decades, this shift away from extensive foreign trips marks a significant change in strategy, even if critics might interpret it as fatigue.

At 80 years old, enduring 20-plus hour flights in-between days of meetings can be daunting. However, this reduction in international travel has notable economic implications.

The Gulfstream V SP incurs operational costs of at least $9,000 per hour, meaning a round trip to Washington could cost around Shs800 million.

This figure only accounts for the aircraft itself; additional expenses for the advance team and related logistics can elevate the total cost into the billions of the taxpayer\s sweat.

By delegating these international responsibilities to VP Alupo and PM Nabbanja - who is currently representing Uganda at the UN General Assembly in New Yor - Museveni has significantly lessened the financial burden on taxpayers.

 However, the overall State House budget continues to rise, increasing from Shs250.7 billion in the 2023/24 fiscal year to an estimated Shs430 billion this year, with daily expenditures reaching up to Shs2.8 billion.

A Shrewd Political Move

As President Museveni prepares for a likely run in the 2026 presidential election, he demonstrates an astute awareness of his political landscape. His ability to adapt, perhaps rooted in the tactical insights gained during the protracted bush war, positions him advantageously.

Sources indicate that Mr Museveni’s decision to limit international travel was influenced by medical advice to abandon more exerting routines and conserve his energy, He has embraced the shift wholeheartedly, taking to focusing on less physically demanding aspects of the presidency while delegating more strenuous tasks to his trusted lieutenants.

In defense of the President’s strategic retreat from long-distance travel, Senior Press Secretary Sandor Walusimbi emphasized that this approach is intentional. 

"The President has mentioned it himself: 'I will focus on regional issues that concern Uganda, East Africa, and Africa,'" Walusimbi stated. 

He added that Museveni aims to empower his cadres, using this delegation-of-power approach as a vote of confidence in his people.

Mr Walusimbi also defended the President’s fitness, asserting, "In my view, he is the most fit person I know, especially compared to those who criticise his age. His stamina and commitment to his duties are unmatched." 

This statement seeks to counter concerns about Museveni’s age, framing it as a non-issue in the context of his ongoing leadership.

Political analyst Patrick Wakida views Museveni's shift as a new strategy, one that has merit but also carries negative connotations. 

"While this approach could be seen as a way to teach his people to operate independently, it may also signify a shedding of power, especially given his advanced age," Dr Wakida said. 

He cautioned that the President’s absence from international engagements could disadvantage Uganda, as no one can represent the country with the same influence as the Head of State.

During international events, Heads of State do more than just attend the event. There are always the engagements on the margins of the main event that result in diplomatic ties, the many investment deals and so much more.

Ultimately, the absence of Mr Museveni would mean a lesser chance of Uganda nailing down some of these deals that his bargaining power and influence would be the tool to settling.

Mr Wakida highlighted the importance of competence among Mr Museveni’s delegates, noting that the global stage demands individuals who are well-versed in international issues. He urged the President to consider the capabilities of his cadres when delegating such significant responsibilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many politicians to adapt their strategies, and Mr Museveni was no exception.

The lockdowns and social distancing measures allowed him to conduct much of his 2021 re-election campaign virtually, minimising the physical demands of traditional campaigning.

His primary opponent, Robert Kyagulanyi, attracted large crowds, yet Mr Museveni navigated the electoral landscape with a strategy that often saw him addressing events from a seated position.

"If you recall, the President also campaigned and addressed many of his events seated during the 2021 period, and that includes the regular lockdown briefings before the electioneering period," a source said.

Looking ahead to 2026, it is unlikely that Mr Museveni will revert to pre-2021 engagement styles. This shift comes at a time Mr Museveni’s age has sparked criticism and scrutiny from opponents.

Last week, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda called for mandatory health checks for the President, questioning his fitness for the highest office in the land.

The response from Museveni’s supporters emphasised the President's stamina, recalling a time when he walked 190 kilometers in a single day.

As Uganda approaches the next election cycle, President Museveni’s strategic decisions in travel and public engagement will likely continue to shape his political narrative.