Politics 24 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Hints at Naming Successor in 1996 Campaign Amid NRA Veterans' Revolt for Ssemogerere
During the 1996 presidential election campaign, President Museveni first publicly addressed succession by promising to name a capable successor within five years while criticizing rival Kibirige Mayanja. Meanwhile, around 760 NRA veterans in Bundibugyo threatened to withhold their votes from him over unfulfilled promises and backed opposition candidate Paul Ssemogerere. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/museveni-promises-to-name-successor-as-nra-veterans-back-ssemo-5435578
Thirty years ago, in the heat of the 1996 presidential race, President Yoweri Museveni made his initial public remarks on the sensitive issue of succession. Speaking at a rally in Bombo on March 30, 1996, he assured the Nubian community that he would identify and name a successor within five years to ‘carry the grindstone’ after his term.
This came after Nubian leader Ismail Kharim pledged overwhelming support for Museveni, emphasizing that their votes were not swayed by religious ties despite Muhammad Kibirige Mayanja also being a Muslim candidate. Museveni reassured them of safety under his NRM government, distancing them from Idi Amin’s legacy.
The day prior in Nakasongola, Museveni had hinted at grooming a capable leader, stressing the need to avoid handing power to the unprepared. He sharply attacked Mayanja, mocking his lack of experience by questioning if he could even lift a small grindstone, let alone Uganda’s.
Mayanja represented the unregistered Jeema party, formed by young Muslim intellectuals and allies, but hampered by constitutional restrictions on political activities under the Movement system.
Meanwhile, discontent brewed among NRA veterans—now UPDF—who had been demobilized in a World Bank-funded program. About 760 in Bundibugyo accused Museveni of failing to deliver pensions, gratuities, and jobs as security guards.
Veterans’ chairperson Lt. Salim Kiiza declared they felt betrayed after fighting for the NRM, even storming an official’s home and vowing to back Ssemogerere of the IPFC coalition unless paid. They showed up in force for Ssemogerere’s nomination, demanding settlements.
Despite the threats, Museveni won decisively with 4.4 million votes against Ssemogerere’s 1.4 million and Mayanja’s 120,000.
Source: Daily Monitor