Veteran opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye of Uganda has rallied his fellow citizens to take collective action and oust President Yoweri Museveni from power well before the scheduled 2026 general elections.
Speaking passionately at a gathering of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members and supporters at Mbarara Catholic Social Centre on April 3, 2024, Besigye emphasized the urgency of the situation. He urged against fixating on the distant electoral horizon of 2026, pointing out the daily suffering of Ugandans under the current regime.
Besigye dismissed armed rebellion as an outdated and harmful approach, warning against the potential loss of innocent lives. Instead, he advocated for a unified, nonviolent strategy, suggesting that a collective voice and strategic action could compel the military to heed the people’s demands for Museveni’s removal.
Responding to calls from attendees, including students from Bishop Stuart University, who voiced their support for him as a presidential candidate in 2026, Besigye emphasized the need for immediate action. He stressed the importance of unity and sacrifice, urging Ugandans not to defer the struggle for change.
In a symbolic gesture, Besigye reminded his audience of his advancing age, highlighting the biblical reference to the span of human life and the need to act decisively while there’s still time. He encouraged his compatriots not to wait for Museveni’s tenure to naturally conclude but to actively work towards a peaceful transition of power.
While acknowledging the support from various quarters, including Sternly Katembeya, the FDC chairperson for Mbarara City, Besigye reiterated that the focus should not be solely on electoral politics but on the broader mission of liberating Uganda from an entrenched regime.
In essence, Besigye’s message resonated with a call for immediate, collective action, stressing the importance of unity, sacrifice, and strategic nonviolent resistance in effecting meaningful change in Uganda’s political landscape.
