Stop the Nonsense: Museveni Humiliates Mbidde Over Banyarwanda Issues

Kampala, 24th Jan 2025

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has publicly embarrassed Mukasa Mbidde, a self-proclaimed opposition leader and lawyer, labeling him as an opportunist who thrives on confusion and self-interest. Museveni’s blunt rebuke came during a heated meeting this week, where he addressed conflicting views on the rights of indigenous Banyarwanda in Uganda.

The meeting at State House brought together the executive committees of two groups—the Council for Abavandimwe, led by Frank Gashumba, and Umubano, fronted by Mukasa Mbidde. The agenda was clear: to discuss the President’s upcoming Executive Order aimed at ending discrimination against indigenous Banyarwanda, including the denial of passports, national IDs, and other vital documents. However, the discussion took an unexpected turn, with Mbidde emerging as the center of controversy and ridicule.

Council For Abavandimwe Executive members with President Museveni

MUSEVENI CALLS OUT MBIDDE’S UTTERANCES ‘NONSENSE’

A visibly irritated Museveni did not mince words when he told Mbidde to stop “confusing Banyarwanda” with his half-baked legal theories and selfish ambitions. According to Museveni, Mbidde has been spreading falsehoods about the Constitution and misrepresenting the plight of Banyarwanda to suit his own agenda.

“Mbidde, stop this nonsense!” Museveni thundered, challenging him to prove his credentials as a constitutional lawyer. “How many cases have you ever won? And since when did you become an expert on constitutional law? Stop confusing my people!” Museveni’s remarks left Mbidde fumbling for a response, his once-confident demeanor shattered.

MBIDDE EXPOSED AS AN EMPTY TIN

The meeting also revealed Mbidde’s glaring contradictions and opportunistic tendencies. While Gashumba’s Council for Abavandimwe has spent years advocating for the rights of indigenous Banyarwanda, Mbidde and his group, Umubano, have called for an amendment to Article 10 of the Constitution after over 30 years of their group doing nothing for Banyarwanda. This article stipulates that proof of Ugandan citizenship requires evidence of one’s grandparents living in Uganda by 1926—a provision that has sparked heated debate.

Mbidde’s opposition to the Executive Order prompted many to question his motives. Despite claiming to champion the rights of Banyarwanda, his actions seemed to align more with foreign interests than with the community he purports to represent. Sources suggest that Mbidde is backed by certain Rwandan elements, including individuals with dual citizenship, who aim to sow confusion in Uganda.

Excited Banyarwanda after receiving the news of the Executive Order recently in a meeting at Speke Hotel

A MOMENT OF SHAME

Mbidde’s embarrassment reached its peak during the meeting when, in a show of gratitude, Gashumba and his team stood and applauded the President for his decisive action on Banyarwanda issues. Mbidde and his group, however, remained seated, refusing to clap—a gesture that did not go unnoticed.

When his turn to speak came, Mbidde awkwardly thanked Museveni for personal favors, including sponsoring his bid to the East African Legislative Assembly, footing his legal fees, and gifting him 50 cows for his marriage. His speech, which seemed more like a plea for forgiveness than a defense of his stance, left many in the room questioning whether he has ever truly been an opposition leader or simply a stooge.

Museveni, unimpressed, went further to expose Mbidde’s lack of credibility. Many wondered which court will listen to him when you have no clear argument? This issue is about the rights of the Banyarwanda as enshrined in the Constitution, not his personal confusion.

The selfish Mbidde also lamented to the President that he keeps holding meetings with Frank Gashumba and his team, ignoring Umubano but the President rubbished him off saying that he chooses whom to meet depending on the need and importance of the meeting. Mbidde pleaded with the President to invite their group but the Press ignored this request. Sources say that the President is tired of the Umubano group which has always been getting money from him yet they don’t present challenges of Banyarwanda.

Museveni with Frank Gashumba after a meeting about Banyarwanda (file photo)

MBIDDE DEPARTS IN DISGRACE

The meeting ended with Mbidde visibly shaken and humiliated. Witnesses described him as leaving State House “like a drenched duck,” his ego deflated and his wife embarrassed by the public spectacle. This incident has not only exposed Mbidde as an empty-headed individual but has also cast serious doubts on his intentions and alliances.

The President’s remarks underscored the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by indigenous Banyarwanda without allowing self-serving individuals like Mbidde to derail progress. While Gashumba and the Council for Abavandimwe continue to make strides in their advocacy, Mbidde’s credibility lies in tatters, leaving him as little more than a confused figure whose opportunism has been laid bare for all to see.