The end-of-year address by the National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi, has faced intense criticism from analysts and Ugandans at large who have deemed it “shallow and out of touch on critical issues.”
The end-of-year address that Kyagulanyi delivered on December 30, 2024, at his residence in Magere focused on issues like General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s X posts and Mathias Mpuuga’s UGX 500m service award, which analysts and many Ugandans criticized as petty.
According to several analysts, Kyagulanyi’s address reflects his lack of awareness of the country’s key challenges and exposes his always talked-about inability to comprehend national issues.
Andrew Bagala, a journalist at the Nation Media Group, stated that Kyagulanyi needs the aid of veteran politicians to enlighten him about national issues to save him similar embarrassment in the near future.
“I have watched Kyagulanyi’s end-of-year address again and digested his priorities for the country. To be honest, he still needs top opposition politicians, MP Abdu Katuntu, MP Muwanga Kivumbi, MP Mathias Mpuuga, and MP John Nambeshe, to help him,” Bagala posted on X, adding that he missed many national issues that are on his nose.
Lawyer Abiyo Ivan remarked that “Kyagulanyi is clueless on national issues,” adding that Kizza Besigye remains a better option to lead forces challenging President Museveni’s rule.
Juliet Mbabazi, a resident of Najjera, wondered what Ugandans expect from a leader who can’t even make a party manifesto. “People think running a country is like putting up a musical show.”
Ssemakula Roland posted on that “I think he either takes these things casually or doesn’t prepare well, and also he gets carried away with the media. He needs well-grounded handlers to write speeches for him because year in and year out he keeps giving these flat speeches, ‘mbu’ end-of-year address.”
Kyagulanyi’s year-end address has reignited debates about his capacity to grasp and articulate Uganda’s pressing national issues. Critics have pointed to his past struggles, such as failing to provide clarity on his fiscal policy during previous engagements, as evidence of a recurring pattern. These lapses, according to political analysts, undermine his credibility as a leader capable of addressing the complex challenges facing the nation.
Many Ugandans are now questioning whether he has the depth and foresight needed to steer the country toward a better future.
