By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Kampala, Uganda – A scathing critique of President Yoweri Museveni’s four-decade rule has been delivered by celebrated Ugandan scholar Prof. Mahmood Mamdani in his new book, “Slow Poison: Idi Amin, Yoweri Museveni, and the Making of the Ugandan State”.
According to Mamdani, Museveni’s prolonged rule has become worse than the brutal regime of Idi Amin, the dictator he once helped overthrow.
Mamdani’s conclusion is based on his in-depth analysis of Museveni’s leadership, which he argues has systematically fragmented the country’s social fabric and institutionalized corruption.
In contrast to Amin’s rule, which was marked by excess and impulse, Museveni’s approach has been more insidious, corroding the moral fabric of the nation.
Key Findings from Mamdani’s Book
- Corruption and Wealth Accumulation: Museveni’s family has amassed immense wealth through privatization of state assets, while the country remains one of the poorest in the world.
- Suppression of Dissent: Museveni’s regime has mastered the art of masking authoritarian control under the guise of democracy, using state machinery to silence critics and suppress opposition.
- International Backing: Western governments, particularly the United States, have provided critical support to Museveni’s regime, despite its questionable human rights record.
- Erosion of National Unity: Museveni’s rule has fragmented the nation, dividing it into increasingly smaller minorities, tribe by tribe.
Mamdani’s book offers a damning critique of Museveni’s leadership, portraying a president who has prioritized maintaining power over nation-building.
