₦airaland Forum

Uganda Shuts Down Internet Ahead of Election As Opposition Denounces "Military State" ahead of Election

When Yoweri Museveni seized power in Uganda in 1986, he declared that “the problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people but leaders who want to overstay in power.”

When Yoweri Museveni seized power in Uganda in 1986, he declared that “the problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people but leaders who want to overstay in power.”

Now 81, the former rebel leader is seeking a seventh term in office on Thursday, after nearly four decades at the helm of the East African nation; a country where the vast majority of citizens have never known another leader.

Museveni rose to power on a wave of optimism after leading insurgencies against autocratic governments. That goodwill, however, was later eroded by allegations of graft and authoritarianism.

“Corruption has been central to his rule from the beginning,” Kristof Titeca, a professor at the University of Antwerp, told Reuters.

Museveni has acknowledged that some government officials engaged in corrupt practices but maintains that those caught have been prosecuted.

A shrewd political strategist, Museveni has cultivated strong foreign alliances by aligning with Western security priorities, deploying peacekeepers to hotspots such as Somalia and South Sudan, and hosting large numbers of refugees.

At home, his record remains mixed. His government received praise for tackling the AIDS epidemic and defeating the Lord’s Resistance Army, which brutalised Ugandans for nearly two decades.

However, corruption has hollowed out public services. According to UNICEF, only one in four Ugandan children who enter primary school makes it to secondary education, while well-paying jobs remain scarce.

Museveni’s political journey began in exile, where he founded a militant movement that helped oust President Idi Amin. Milton Obote later returned to power in 1980 but was toppled in a 1985 coup.

In 1986, Museveni’s National Resistance Movement overthrew President Tito Okello.
“This is not a mere change of guard,” Museveni said at his swearing-in. “This is a fundamental change in the politics of our government.”

Western nations initially applauded his efforts to restore order, attract investment and raise living standards. But as economic growth picked up, public anger over corruption intensified.

Under a privatisation programme, dozens of state enterprises were sold at heavily discounted prices to Museveni’s relatives and allies, according to parliamentary reports, some of which said proceeds were embezzled.

Kizza Besigye, Museveni’s former personal doctor during the bush war years, later fell out with him, accusing him of corruption and human rights abuses.

Museveni has won all six presidential elections he has contested, including four against Besigye, who was arrested in 2024 and now faces treason charges.

In 2005, parliament scrapped presidential term limits: a move critics said was designed to keep Museveni in power indefinitely. Opposition candidates have consistently rejected election results over alleged irregularities. Authorities have denied the claims, while police cracked down on protests by opposition supporters.

In 2006, Museveni dismissed Western criticism, saying, “If the international community has lost confidence in us, then that is a compliment because they are habitually wrong.”

He has since deepened ties with China, Russia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates to reduce reliance on Western partners. The discovery of major oil reserves further strengthened his position, leading to agreements with TotalEnergies and CNOOC to construct an export pipeline.

Museveni’s main rival in Thursday’s election is Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old pop star turned politician. Analysts say Museveni’s victory is almost certain, but uncertainty looms over what comes next, as the president shows signs of physical frailty.

“The big question looming over the election is the question of succession,” Titeca said, pointing to the rapid rise of Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military chief.

The opposition has accused Museveni of fast-tracking Kainerugaba’s career to prepare him for succession, while veteran politicians who once fought alongside Museveni have been sidelined.

Former newspaper editor Charles Onyango-Obbo said the election outcome could shape Museveni’s next political moves.

“This is less about the results that will be announced, and more about the mood on the ground,” Onyango-Obbo said, adding that a handover could still be years away. “Museveni is more frail now, but he is a workaholic… he will not leave even if he needs to use a walking stick,” he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cp1xSjNBTQ?si=UBYtVNKv07tGdTZZ

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, affectionately known as “Lumumba Vea”, the unforgettable DR Congo superfan who stole hearts worldwide during the AFCON 2025 in Morocco, has been honored with a luxury Jeep by the Congolese government.

The gift, presented through Sports Minister Didier Budimbu, serves as a profound thank-you for his unwavering passion, dignity, and unique tribute that turned him into one of the tournament’s biggest symbols.

For the entire duration of every DR Congo match (totaling hundreds of minutes, including extra time), Mboladinga stood rigidly on a small pedestal, right arm raised, dressed sharply, and completely still – mirroring the famous memorial statue of Patrice Lumumba, the nation’s independence hero assassinated in 1961.

His endurance and symbolism of resilience, pride, and national unity went viral, earning him global admiration even after the Leopards’ heartbreaking Round of 16 exit to Algeria.

The gesture comes directly from the highest levels, with President Félix Tshisekedi personally expressing his desire for a one-on-one meeting soon to celebrate Mboladinga’s role in flying the Congolese flag high and uniting the nation through pure, silent passion.

Even in defeat, Lumumba Vea’s story transcends football – it’s about heritage, endurance, and love for country. He turned stillness into strength, and now his country has rewarded that devotion in the most fitting way.

What an inspiring example of how true fandom can move mountains! How do you feel about this heartwarming recognition? Drop your thoughts below – shoutout to Lumumba Vea for showing the world what Congolese pride looks like.

What should be done is to implement a ‘Marshall plan’ to phase out the Almajiri system, adopting a curriculum that combines moral teaching with modern education.

Controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called for a ‘Marshall Plan’ to gradually end the Almajiri system in Northern Nigeria.

Gumi said the North has the capacity to lead Nigeria’s education sector within the next 15 years with the phasing out of the Almajiri system. He based his claim on the presence of about 150 public and private universities in the region.

In a post on X, he said Northern Nigeria has enough educational institutions to drive major progress if the right policies are put in place.

According to him, a Marshall Plan should be introduced to phase out the Almajiri system by adopting a curriculum that combines moral teaching with modern education. He added that peace is necessary for the plan to succeed.

Gumi said, “Northern Nigeria, with approximately 150 public (federal & state) and private universities, is expected to lead the educational sector of Nigerian society in the next fifteen years.

“What should be done is to implement a ‘Marshall plan’ to phase out the Almajiri system, combining a curriculum that blends moral education with modernity. Therefore we need peace.”

Gotocourt:
His house is a white one storey building close to KENT ACADEMY gate.

3seriez:
Among the old timers , only Gen Gado nasko is still alive. Interesting facts..

PulaPower:
Which governorship Robbery? Did you vote for him when he contested for governor?

He thereafter contested for governor in 1983 under National party of Nigeria ( NPN) he won and was denied his mandate, The NPP then used PRTV then to announce that Solomon Lar won, while The NTA announced John kadiya winner.

The case went up all the way to the Supreme Court. Later years in 2003 the Supreme Court gave final judgment that John kadiya was the authentic winner of the 1983 election that was rigged with Doma votes.His opponent even called his family to congratulate them

MufasaLion:
According to the evidences and the arguments at the court, which led to the sincere judgement, Nnamdi Kanu is a terrorist. Terrorists deserve no empathy or human rights.

Mr John Jatau Kadiya was a great leader in the history of Nigeria, as he was first appointed as the first minister FCT in 1979 - 1981 and thereafter Minister of Aviation( 1981 - 1982).

He thereafter contested for governor in 1983 under National party of Nigeria ( NPN) he won and was denied his mandate, The NPP then used PRTV then to announce that Solomon Lar won, while The NTA announced John kadiya winner.

The case went up all the way to the Supreme Court. Later years in 2003 the Supreme Court gave final judgment that John kadiya was the authentic winner of the 1983 election that was rigged with Doma votes.

His opponent even called his family to congratulate them, but when Jonah Jang came as a governor many plateau people were expecting then governor Jonah Jang to compensate the family and the people of irigwe and Bassa in recognizing him the way Abisola was recognized as a winner.

Even if it is to name somewhere in his name in order to immortalize him. However that was not to be. John kadiya died in 1997 when Nigeria was warming up for return to democratic government in 1999, as the civilians were to take over from military. It was a very sad moment in Nigeria as we indeed lost an icon. Nigeria and indeed Plateau state owe John kadiya to compensate him of his stolen mandate.

Before you shout, what of the late Ajose Adeogun (1976-1979, here is the fact file: the late Adeogun (who died on Saturday July 1, 2023 at 96) was widely reported as the first Minister of FCT. He wasn’t.

He was actually designated as Minister of Special Duties with additional responsibility to supervise Abuja to from 15B Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos as there was no structure yet on the 8,000 square kilometre FCT then. He was operating from a Field Base in Suleja in Niger State, a border town to the FCT.

All other Ministers appointed since then from the South – from Mark Okoye 1980-1984) through Professor Ikejiani Clark to Jumoke Richard Akinjide have been Ministers of State.

What’s worse, President Muhammadu President Muhammadu Buhari who didn’t care a hoot about federal character in all his appointments for eight years desecrated the Territory as his last two ministers of FCT hail were from the North (Adamawa and Kogi states). In other words, the first organic Minister of FCT was John Jatau Kadiya (1979-1982).

TRIBUTE TO A GREAT SON OF RIGWE LAND
As we remember Late Mr. John Jatau Kadiya (1936–1997), 29 years after his passing, we honour one of the greatest icons Rigwe land has ever produced.

Born in Miango, Bassa LGA of Plateau State, he rose from a humble beginning as a teacher to become the first Minister from the Irigwe people, serving Nigeria as Minister of Aviation and later as the first Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, where the physical development of Abuja began.

He stood tall for Rigwe dignity, competence, and leadership, and his political legacy in Plateau State remains unforgettable. Win hands down the Plateau State Governorship Election though was denied but eventually the courts declared him winner.

Zhwe Yirigwe, today we celebrate our own,
an icon, a trailblazer, and a lasting legacy.
May his soul rest in perfect peace. YIRIGWE ZRUNZRU ♥️ ♥️ ♥️
#copied
Credit - Grace Gye( Facebook )