Museveni Defends Uganda’s Democracy Amid Global Criticism

By Ollus Ndomu

President Yoweri Museveni has defended Uganda’s political system, saying it is not a “theater democracy” like those practiced elsewhere, despite international assessments ranking the country among the world’s least democratic.

Speaking Friday at a government event in Kampala, the long-serving leader said Uganda’s model of governance promotes representation and inclusivity. “Our democracy is not a theater democracy,” Museveni said. “It is a democracy that encourages all citizens to participate in governance through their representatives.”

His comments come in contrast to a 2025 report by the Global State of Democracy Initiative, which placed Uganda in the bottom 25 percent of countries globally in areas such as rights, representation, and rule of law. The report cited shrinking civic space, restrictions on opposition activities, and limited judicial independence as key concerns.

Museveni, 81, also praised Uganda’s record on affirmative action, noting that constitutional reforms have helped increase the number of women in leadership. “We have promoted gender balance and ensured that women take part in national decision-making,” he said.

Critics, however, say such measures mask deeper structural problems, pointing to the detention of opposition leaders, tight control of media, and limits on political rallies. Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

His remarks reflect growing sensitivity within Kampala to international scrutiny, as Uganda prepares for another electoral cycle in which calls for political reform and generational change are expected to intensify.