The long-standing political narrative of “we went to the bush” that has shaped Uganda’s governance for nearly four decades is gradually coming to a close; according to Col (Rtd) James Mwesigye, Commissioner for Resident District and City Commissioners (RDCs) for the western region. Mwesigye made these remarks during the handover of Shs 190 million pledged by President Museveni to Mbarara Junior School in Mbarara City.
Speaking at the event, Mwesigye said the generation of bush war revolutionaries who helped President Museveni seize power in 1986 is nearing retirement.
“There is this chapter of ‘we went to the bush’; it has been there for almost 40 years, leading the country. But after five years, I think this chapter will be closed. Look at me—do you think after five years I will still be performing my duties as I am today?” he said.
Mwesigye noted that the liberation-generation identity has at times created a sense of superiority among some officials, which could pose risks to governance.
“The only person who can manage this group is President Museveni because it might be dangerous for the country if they think they always know they are the ones who brought this government to power and liberated the country. Let us give him another five years to lead this group to retire. Age will take us to rest,” he said.
The “we went to the bush” narrative has been widely used by veterans of the National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) to justify political influence, drawing criticism from observers who argue that it undermines democratic principles.
Addressing concerns over presidential pledges being fulfilled mainly during campaign periods, Mwesigye urged the public to differentiate between the president as head of state and as a presidential candidate.
“He cannot stop running the country because he is the presidential candidate. The pledges he is fulfilling were made a long time ago; for example, this one for Mbarara Junior School was made in 2019,” he said.
In a statement that contrasts with Uganda’s Public Service Code of Conduct, Mwesigye encouraged civil servants to openly support the President.
“I am disturbed when I hear that civil servants should desist from campaigns. You are the ones who have benefited from the gains this country has brought under President Museveni more than those in the informal sector. I am moving throughout the region convincing civil servants to go and look for votes for the president,” he said.
The remarks come ahead of Uganda’s 2026 General Election, in which President Museveni will seek to extend his rule beyond 40 years. He will face seven challengers, including Robert Kyagulanyi, his closest rival in the 2021 election.
The headteacher of Mbarara Junior School, Nathan Mugume, welcomed the release of funds, describing them as long overdue.
“I want to make it public that this money has come because of the political season. We are happy it has finally come,” he said, noting that the school currently has 2,462 learners.
Former Mbarara City MP Micheal Tusiime called for transparency in the use of the funds.
“Anytime the Auditor General will be here to find out how you utilized these funds,” he said.