While proponents hail President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership style, often referred to as “Musevenomics,” as a visionary approach promoting cross-border growth, critics question its relevance amid Uganda’s pressing domestic challenges.
Kefa Mafumo, a State House official who has expressed interest in contesting for the Butiru Constituency Member of Parliament position in 2026, sheds more light on his perspective in a one-on-one interview.
Kefa argues that President Museveni’s government focuses on fostering multilateral trade, boosting the country’s economy, and addressing Africa’s broader challenges.
“As you are aware, President Museveni declared his initiative as a strategic move to strengthen regional ties. His leadership blends foresight, regional integration, and pragmatic development,” said Kefa.
Kefa further described Museveni as an elder statesman and a problem solver. However, he acknowledged that while the economic benefits of Museveni’s initiatives may be significant, the timing remains questionable.
“Uganda has local issues that need urgent attention,” he added.
Not everyone agrees with Kefa’s perspective, but he insists the president’s strategy is a deliberate and forward-thinking use of infrastructure diplomacy.
“By building roads instead of sending troops, Uganda gains influence without spilling blood. It’s economics, security, and diplomacy all in one,” Kefa stated.
According to Kefa, these projects enhance Uganda’s standing in regional negotiations, particularly with nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR).
He cited the Parish Development Model (PDM), a poverty eradication program initiated by Museveni, as an example of the president’s focus on uplifting households.
“This program has benefited hundreds of households in just three years. Recently, President Museveni was in the Elgon region monitoring the progress and impact of PDM,” Kefa noted.
As a concerned citizen, Kefa expressed pride in hosting the president in his home village of Makenya, Butiru, where Museveni checked on PDM beneficiaries.
“I was happy to receive President Museveni in my village as he monitored and evaluated the PDM’s progress,” Kefa said.
Kefa views Museveni as deeply rooted in pan-Africanism.
“Museveni’s ideological vision is grounded in Africa’s shared history and interconnectedness. For example, there are more Acholi people in South Sudan than in Uganda and more Bakonzo in the DRC than here. He sees these connections as opportunities, not borders,” Kefa explained.
However, critics argue that Uganda’s domestic challenges—poverty, unemployment, and a strained healthcare system—should take precedence.
Kefa insists that even visionary plans require proper timing.
“Ugandans are struggling with basic needs. Before we cross borders, we must first fix home,” he said.
Despite these criticisms, Kefa counters that infrastructure projects can achieve what military interventions cannot.
“Uganda spends billions deploying troops abroad. Why not channel those resources into infrastructure? Roads secure influence and open markets without the cost of war. The math works,” he asserted.
While supporters of Musevenomics believe its benefits will materialize in the long run, turning Uganda into a regional hub, critics remain steadfast in their concerns.
For them, the question is not whether the vision is bold but whether it aligns with the immediate needs of the people.
As the nation debates, Museveni’s cross-border ambitions remain a defining feature of his leadership, sparking both hope and controversy.