President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine)’s frequent portrayal of himself as a youthful alternative to Uganda’s “ageing” leadership, stating that someone in their 40s can no longer claim to be “young.”
Speaking to social media influencers at his farm in Kisozi on Sunday, Museveni used his own early achievements to challenge Bobi Wine’s narrative, in what appeared to be a direct response to the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader’s repeated emphasis on generational change.
Bobi Wine, aged 41, has long positioned himself as representing Uganda’s young majority, arguing that younger leaders bring fresh ideas and energy to replace what he calls an outdated political establishment.
Museveni, 81, countered by recounting his own life story.
“I bought Rwakitura when I was 22 years old. I was a temporary teacher, and when I earned my first salary, I went and bought Rwakitura,” Museveni said.
“I left my colleagues in Mbarara learning how to dance with girls. I went and bought Rwakitura. It was a bush.”
He continued: “When I bought this land here in Kisozi in 1990, this was a bush, but by that time I was already in my 40s.”
Museveni concluded: “I see Bobi Wine is in his 30s or 40s. He says he is a young man also. You are still young at 40? You can’t say, ‘I am young’ at 40.”
The President used the example to reinforce his long-standing theme distinguishing between wealth creation and broader development.
He noted that while Mbarara had tarmac roads in his youth, Rwakitura was undeveloped bushland — yet he chose it for its potential pastures and long-term value.
The remarks reflect an ongoing national debate about age, leadership, and generational renewal in Ugandan politics, where the majority of the population is under 35 and calls for youth inclusion remain strong.
Museveni has consistently argued that effective leadership depends on experience, ideology, and vision rather than age alone.
Bobi Wine and NUP have not yet issued a direct response to the comments at the time of publication.