The long-serving Ugandan leader invokes faith and social responsibility in his campaign message ahead of the country’s upcoming general elections.
By Burnett Munthali
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has appealed to citizens to rise out of poverty, framing his call as both a moral and national duty as he embarks on his campaign trail ahead of the next general elections.
In a passionate message, Museveni declared, “I am begging you to get out of poverty. I am not poor, but I want to go to heaven. I don’t want to face my God and have him ask me why I led and kept quiet when people were poor.”
The statement has drawn attention for its religious undertones and emotional appeal, marking a softer and more personal tone in Museveni’s latest campaign rhetoric.
Observers say the president is seeking to connect directly with rural voters, who make up the majority of Uganda’s population and continue to struggle with unemployment and low household incomes.
Museveni’s emphasis on poverty eradication has been a recurring theme in his long political career, often used to rally grassroots support and reaffirm his government’s focus on economic empowerment.
Since taking power on January 26, 1986, following a protracted guerrilla war, Museveni has positioned himself as a liberator and father figure determined to transform Uganda’s economy.
Under his leadership, Uganda has experienced periods of economic growth, infrastructure development, and expansion in education and health services.
However, critics argue that progress has been uneven, with corruption, unemployment, and widening inequality remaining major challenges for millions of Ugandans.
Opposition leaders and political analysts have also questioned Museveni’s repeated bids for re-election, pointing to constitutional amendments that removed age and term limits — moves they say have undermined democratic governance.
Despite mounting criticism, Museveni continues to command a strong support base, particularly in rural areas where his government’s agricultural and small-scale business initiatives have had visible impact.
His recent remarks suggest that poverty reduction will again be a key message in his campaign strategy, blending moral conviction with political persuasion.
For many Ugandans, however, the president’s words have sparked mixed reactions — with some viewing them as a sincere appeal for self-reliance, while others see them as another political performance from a leader who has been in power for nearly four decades.
As Uganda heads toward another election season, Museveni’s call to “get out of poverty” reflects both his enduring political message and the complex socio-economic challenges that continue to define his rule.
The coming months will reveal whether his spiritual and populist tone resonates with voters or reignites debates about leadership renewal and the future of democracy in Uganda.
