As Uganda prepares for President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in on May 12, NBS Television journalist Samson Kasumba has stirred debate online after mocking critics of the ruling government in a strongly worded post on X.
In the post shared days before the inauguration, Kasumba questioned the effectiveness of sustained online criticism directed at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the president.
He argued that years of negative commentary on social media have yielded little tangible political change, despite continued opposition voices.
“When you care about results you evaluate whether your method works,” Kasumba wrote. “After five years of negative tweets about the NRM and Museveni what have you been able to change? He swears in again in a few days!”
The journalist’s remarks come as Museveni prepares to begin another five-year term following his victory in the January 2026 general election, where he secured over 70 percent of the vote.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, with several regional leaders expected to attend.
Kasumba further criticized online activists, suggesting that their continued digital opposition reflects frustration rather than strategy.
“You are older, more angry and certainly more frustrated,” he wrote, adding that the president is set to “run Uganda another five years.”
His comments have drawn mixed reactions online, with some users supporting his argument that political engagement should go beyond social media, while others accused him of dismissing dissent and undermining freedom of expression.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions in Uganda’s political discourse, where digital platforms such as X have become key spaces for criticism, mobilization, and political engagement, especially among younger citizens.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, remains a dominant figure in Ugandan politics.
His upcoming inauguration will mark the start of another term under his leadership, amid continued scrutiny from opposition figures and civil society groups over governance, electoral transparency, and political freedoms.