As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general elections, a wave of veteran politicians, including Brig Emmanuel Rwashande, Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde, Alice Kaboyo, and Jacqueline Mbabazi, have announced their intentions to vie for parliamentary seats.
These figures, who have previously held senior government positions and, in some cases, had retired from active politics, have sparked a heated debate: Are they genuinely driven by a desire to serve the public, or are they chasing financial rewards? What new skills do they bring to the table, and why are they not stepping aside for younger leaders?
The re-emergence of these political heavyweights has caught many by surprise.
Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, 66, a retired senior military officer and former Minister of Security, has a storied career that spans roles such as Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and Chief of Military Intelligence. Tumukunde, who ran as an independent presidential candidate in 2021, now wants to represent the people of Rukungiri Municipality in Parliament in 2026.
Alice Kaboyo, 62, the State Minister for Luweero Triangle, has also been entangled in legal battles, notably linked to the misappropriation of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) funds. Despite withdrawing her appeal to expedite her trial, Kaboyo’s political comeback raises eyebrows, given her long hiatus from elective office. She intends to stand as MP for Older Persons (Central Region)
Jacqueline Mbabazi, 70, wife of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, has been a quieter figure but carries the weight of her husband’s political legacy. She wants to stand as MP for Older Persons in Western Uganda. She served as chairperson of the NRM Women’s League until 2014 when her husband fell out with President Museveni. Her move into active politics has shocked many who thought that after her husband’s debacle with Museveni, she would retire peacefully.
Brig Emmanuel Rwashande, 68, less documented in recent political discourse, is another veteran whose military background and prior government roles add to the narrative of seasoned politicians seeking to reclaim influence. Rwashande, who sometimes moves with the aid of a cane, is already mobilizing in Lwemiyaga to unseat long-serving MP, Theodore Ssekikubo.
The collective return of these veteran actors has fuelled speculation about their motives, especially in a country yearning for generational change in politics.
Service or Financial Gain?
The question of whether these veterans are driven by service or financial motives is contentious. Parliamentary positions in Uganda are lucrative, with MPs earning substantial salaries, allowances, and access to resources that can sustain patronage networks.
For some, politics is a business. The perks of office—vehicles, travel allowances, and influence—can be a strong pull, especially for those who have tasted power before.
However, supporters of these candidates counter that their experience is invaluable. Tumukunde, for instance, has a proven track record in intelligence and security, having thwarted Al-Qaeda’s planned bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Kampala in 1998. His advocates argue that his expertise in national security could address Uganda’s rising concerns about urban crime and regional instability.
Kaboyo’s defenders highlight her grassroots connections in Luweero, a region pivotal to the NRM’s rise. They claim her return is driven by a commitment to unfinished development projects. Similarly, Jacqueline Mbabazi’s supporters point to her potential to leverage her husband’s networks to advocate for women’s empowerment and economic development.
Yet, critics remain sceptical. A 2023 report by the Alliance for Campaign Finance Monitoring (ACFIM) revealed that Ugandan MPs often prioritize personal enrichment over public service, with some constituencies seeing little development despite hefty parliamentary budgets.
Any new skills?
Yes, some of these veterans may have experience but their careers have also been stalked by controversy. Tumukunde’s military and intelligence background equips him with strategic insight, but his critics argue that his combative style may not translate well into parliamentary consensus-building.
Kaboyo’s administrative experience as a minister could aid in navigating bureaucratic challenges, but her legal troubles raise questions about her ability to restore public trust. Mbabazi, with her legal background and proximity to high-level politics, might offer nuanced perspectives on governance, though her lack of recent public office experience could be a drawback.
Rwashande’s military expertise may appeal to constituents concerned with security, but there is little public information on his recent activities, making it hard to assess his current skill set.
Why not make way for the young?
Uganda’s population is one of the youngest in the world, with over 75% under 30, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). This demographic reality has amplified calls for generational renewal in politics.
Youth activist Rita Namugoji argues that veteran politicians monopolize opportunities, stifling fresh ideas.
“The same people who fought in the bush war are still running the show. They need to mentor, not compete with, the young,” she told Bbeg Media.
The sentiment is echoed on social media platforms like X where young people often complain against “recycled” leaders.
To make matters worse, Museveni’s long tenure—nearly 40 years in power—has set a precedent for prolonged political careers, creating a culture where stepping aside is rare.
The NRM’s patronage system often rewards loyalty and longevity, discouraging veterans from retiring. Look at Gen Moses Ali, Matia Kasaija, Rebecca Kadaga, Gen Kahinda Otafiire, all veteran leaders who are still clamouring to hold political office.
Younger leaders have to struggle to break through. In most cases, they need significant financial backing or connections to climb the ladder of our commercialized politics.
Whichever way you look at it, the return of Rwashande, Tumukunde, Kaboyo, and Mbabazi has polarized opinions. For some, their experience is a stabilizing force in a volatile political landscape. For others, their candidacies symbolize a refusal to relinquish power, driven by personal gain rather than public service.
As the 2026 elections approach, voters will decide whether these veterans deserve another chance or if it’s time for a new generation to lead. For now, the question lingers: Do these elders want to serve the people or themselves?
