Former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto has urged Uganda’s political actors to prioritise national stability through renewed dialogue and a shift toward issue-based opposition politics. Speaking on Next Radio’s Next Big Talk, Otto stressed the need for constructive engagement following recent elections, calling on all aggrieved parties to contribute to national reconciliation.
Drawing on 20 years in opposition, Otto clarified the constitutional role of opposition figures as watchdogs of government policy, not adversaries of individuals. “Our role is to check the government. There are many issues to oppose other than Museveni himself,” he stated, criticising the personalisation of political rivalry.
Otto warned that Uganda’s opposition institutions have significantly weakened, describing the current landscape as having “very minimal” opposition presence. He cautioned of underlying public discontent, referring to a “sleeping volcano” of unhappiness despite outward calm after the elections.
He advocated for embracing dialogue even if initiated on the government’s terms, stating, “let’s go for it.” Otto also noted President Yoweri Museveni’s political strength in co-opting critics, highlighting the president’s ability to “win people over.”
Otto’s comments follow a February 5 meeting at State House Nakasero between President Museveni and a delegation of opposition legislators led by FDC’s Yusuf Nsibambi, MP for Mawokota South. Attendees included Okot Bitek (FDC), Moses Kabusu (PFF), Roland Ndyomugyenyi, Fred Kayondo (DP), Richard Lumu (DP), and former MP Latif Ssebagala.
According to participants, the discussion focused on promoting national stability, peace, and reconciliation amid post-election tensions. The delegation appealed for pardons and an independent investigation into the detention of Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, NUP Deputy President for Buganda and MP for Butambala County.
Nsibambi defended the engagement in an interview with NBS Television, asserting his autonomy as an elected MP. “I will engage with whoever I believe is necessary for the good of my constituents and the country,” he said, responding to internal opposition criticism.
The meeting has drawn mixed reactions. Some view it as a step toward de-escalation, while others argue Nsibambi’s unilateral approach undermines collective opposition strategy.
Otto maintained that for opposition politics to regain credibility, it must be principled and policy-focused. “If your opposition is about hating President Museveni the individual, then you’re misplaced,” he said, reinforcing his call for an issue-based political discourse centred on national interests.
