By Barrister Peter Magomu Mashate
In 1980, during the period when Uganda was under the UNLF Military Commission headed by Paulo Muwanga, Your Excellency Gen. Yoweri Museveni served as Vice Chairman and was widely acknowledged for providing calm leadership under very difficult conditions, offering balance, direction, and stability during a highly sensitive political phase in Uganda’s history.
Many citizens who were dissatisfied with the Military Commission found reassurance in you as its only ideologically consistent Vice Chairman, which later influenced their support for your political path during later transitions.
Those active in politics at the time observed intolerance directed at opposing political voices within Muwanga’s leadership group.
However, your presence consistently gave hope that Uganda would eventually achieve political stability, which later happened.
When the Gang of Four—Prof. Dan Wadada Nabudere, Prof. Edward Rugumayo, Prof. Omony Ojok, and Prof. Yash Tandon—moved against President Lule, creating a leadership gap, you helped reduce tensions by bringing Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa to State House Entebbe as interim leader.
This helped stabilize the situation.
Even when Binaisa later moved you from Defence to Regional Cooperation, you accepted the decision without resistance, unlike others who opposed similar changes.
This showed your belief in leadership as service.
It further reflects your long-standing principle of de-escalation in national affairs.
When Binaisa was later removed by the Military Commission, the country experienced renewed anxiety as it awaited clarity from Your Excellency.
Your participation in Muwanga’s national address helped calm the situation.
This period coincided with expectations of Dr. Milton Obote’s political return.
The Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) emerged, which I joined, inspired by your leadership.
Your ability to calm political tension has remained consistent.
In 1985, after the coup and despite opposing the arrangement appointing Muwanga as Executive Prime Minister, you participated in the Nairobi peace talks.
In 1986, you extended reconciliation to former adversaries and included them in government.
Many went on to serve in high positions.
This reflects your enduring principle of de-escalation.
Former opposition leaders continue to serve in senior roles including Speaker, Vice President, and Ministerial offices.
I will not revisit your 2009 engagement with Kabaka Mutebi, though it contributed to reconciliation.
All these demonstrate your consistent commitment to de-escalation.
IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT THE CURRENT NATIONAL SITUATION CALLS FOR YOUR TESTED PRINCIPLE OF DE-ESCALATION, reinforced by the 71% public mandate.
Barrister Peter Magomu Mashate is a former private lawyer to H.E Museveni, former Attorney General of the Inzu Ya Bamasaaba Cultural Institution, SG of the NRM Diaspora League, and Vice Chairman & Legal Advisor of the NRM UK & Ireland Chapter.
