• Museveni says humility has helped him survive Uganda’s turbulent political landscape

• He cautioned leaders against reacting to every provocation

• The remarks were made in Iganga during campaigns ahead of the January 15 election

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has revealed that humility is one of the key qualities that has enabled him to lead Uganda for decades, despite the country’s often turbulent political landscape.

While addressing leaders from the Busoga sub-region during a meeting held in Iganga, President Museveni said that longevity in leadership requires restraint, humility, and the wisdom to ignore distractions that can derail one’s mission.

The President explained that not every issue deserves attention or reaction, noting that overreacting to everything can easily divert a leader from their responsibilities. To emphasize his point, Museveni cited an old Runyankore proverb, which teaches the importance of focus and self-control.

 “When a man leaves his home, there is no need to look back because he may see his wife disrespecting him and be forced to return to fight, abandoning the duties he set out to do,” Museveni said.

According to the President, leadership demands the ability to overlook certain things, remain composed, and stay focused on the bigger picture rather than engaging in every provocation. He noted that humility, patience, and avoiding unnecessary confrontations have helped him navigate Uganda’s complex political environment.

President Museveni was meeting Busoga leaders as part of his campaign activities ahead of the Thursday, 15 January presidential election, in which he faces seven other candidates. His main challenger in the race is National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.