By Lt Col Rtd Dr Damiano Kato Abooki (PhD)
11 Sep 2026
Uganda is undergoing a qualitative and quantitative structural, cultural, religious, physical, economic, social and above all, political transition not seen in the history world over. Historians and political analysts should be able to reflect on this.
1. The Progressive Turn
The economy of Uganda has taken a sharp turn in the progressive direction. Construction of infrastructure is everywhere — roads, airports including Kabalega International and Arua, stadiums like Hoima City and Mandela National Stadium for AFCON 2027, markets opened. Security is built and life and property protection is assured.
In this context, General Muhoozi has answered questions most people ask: What does the army do in times of peace?
The army is recruited for many purposes, cardinal role being protection of life and property, defending the sovereignty of Uganda. During peace, the army contributes to nation building. Army involvement in construction by the Engineers Brigade, OWC, policy promotion and medical services gives nationals great hopes in the country’s future.
2. Protection of the Gains
For those in NRM, Mzee has protection and we nationals are assured that he can have a respected and preserved retirement. This is what our CIC called protection of the gains.
On August 25, 2026, Gen. Muhoozi declared his 2031 presidential bid after endorsing President Museveni for 2026. The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) is now collecting 20 million signatures across 146 districts. PLU leaders have clarified: “General MK is not imposing himself on Ugandans. We are imposing ourselves on him.” It remains a civic organization within NRM, respecting Section 99 of the UPDF Act.
This is why Uganda has to go in strong historical books for the Muhoozi endorsement model. African countries should copy this transition model.
3. Has This Model Been Practiced Before? A Look at Africa and World History
In all of Africa and world history, has the mode we are practicing in Uganda been practiced before? The answer is: Very rarely. History shows two clear models.
Model 1: The Vengeance Model — Clashes, Statues Torn Down, Posters Burnt
This is the most common model when countries fail to manage transition:
– Libya: After Gaddafi was ousted in 2011, his statues were destroyed even before he was captured and killed. The country has never recovered — 14 years of civil war followed.
– Iraq: The world watched in 2003 as Saddam Hussein’s statue in Baghdad was toppled by a crane. The symbol fell, but so did the state — leading to years of insurgency.
– DR Congo: Mobutu Sese Seko built a Versailles in Gbadolite. After he fled in 1997, his palaces were looted, his statues forgotten in the bush. The state collapsed into the Africa World War.
– Sudan: After Bashir fell in 2019, his posters were burnt in Khartoum, but the transition failed — leading to the current war that has destroyed even the National Museum.
– South Africa Rhodes Must Fall: In 2015, students threw excrement on Cecil Rhodes statue at UCT. It became a global movement — but it was against colonial symbols, not liberation heroes.
In this model, new leaders campaign by saying: “If I take over, I will arrest the past leader.” There is no benefit in saying if I take over I will arrest a past leader who sacrificed for the liberation of your country. You arrest a man who sacrificed, you spoil his statue, you burn his poster — and you destroy the unity and institutional memory that built the nation.
Model 2: The Protection Model — The Rare Success Stories
A few African countries have tried to protect the sitting president and give him a respected retirement. This is what scholars call institutionalized transition:
– Tanzania: Mwalimu Nyerere retired voluntarily in 1985 and handed to Ali Hassan Mwinyi. The Constitution was respected. He remained respected as Father of the Nation until death. Tanzania has never had a coup or civil war.
– Botswana: Seretse Khama to Masire to Mogae — each former president retired with dignity, protection, and a foundation. Botswana is Africa’s most stable democracy.
– Ghana: Jerry Rawlings, who ruled for 19 years, handed over in 2001 after losing an election. He was not jailed. Ghana went on to have 5 peaceful transfers of power.
– South Africa: Nelson Mandela served one term and retired in 1999 with full protection, foundation, and global respect.
Other countries that failed to protect former presidents show the price: Zambia lifted Frederick Chiluba’s immunity and prosecuted him, Mauritania jailed Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz for decisions on oil and state property, Sudan sentenced Bashir, South Africa jailed Zuma for contempt, Senegal is now probing Macky Sall for $7bn debt.
4. Conclusion: Why Uganda’s Model Is Unstoppable
The Muhoozi endorsement model is trying to formalize Model 2 for Uganda’s unique liberation history.
For 40 years, Mzee has taken hard executive decisions — war, peace, economy, security. If after that sacrifice, the promise to him is handcuffs, no leader will ever hand over power peacefully. That is why African presidents cling to power.
But if the promise is: Your gains will be protected, your retirement will be respected, your statues and posters will remain, and the next generation from within your own revolutionary system will continue the quantitative and qualitative transformation — then transition becomes unstoppable.
We are not tearing down. We are building on. We are not saying “I will arrest my liberator.” We are saying “I will protect the liberator and promote the future.”
That is the UNSTOPPABLE UGANDA — the qualitative and quantitative transformation that history cannot ignore, and the only model that benefits Africa.
