Museveni’s apology reflects strong leadership, says MP Sossion

Former nominated MP Wilson Sossion has praised Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s recent apology, describing it as a mark of commendable leadership.

During an appearance on a local television station on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Sossion emphasized the importance of honesty and transparency in leadership, noting that leaders should be willing to speak candidly with their citizens.

Sossion noted that it is admirable when presidents take responsibility and apologize for state failures, calling it a strong show of leadership.

He referenced Tanzania’s founding President, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, who issued a similar apology in 1985 upon stepping down.

"Presidents acknowledging the shortcomings of their governments is a commendable act. Nyerere did it, and it reflected true leadership," Sossion said.

He urged all leaders to embrace humility and the ability to apologize when necessary.

"As a leader, you may not always be aware of who you've wronged. It's important that we all learn to say sorry to those we may have hurt, whether knowingly or not," he added.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni issued a public apology on May 28, 2025, acknowledging past failures and seeking forgiveness for historical wrongs committed by the government.

His remarks came during a public address in which he also praised the church for its continued role in promoting unity and driving positive change in the country.

President Museveni, joined by First Lady Janet Museveni, expressed a heartfelt apology, saying, "We humbly take responsibility for the mistakes we have made. We stand here to repent and ask for your forgiveness, especially from the people of Buganda."

His apology came just hours after Kenya’s President William Ruto also extended a public apology, this time to the country’s Gen Z, acknowledging his administration’s shortcomings and vowing to foster national unity.

Speaking at the National Prayer Day held at Safari Park Hotel on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, President Ruto highlighted the importance of togetherness, stating, “Where there is unity, God commands a blessing.”

Addressing the younger generation, he added, “To our children, if there has been any misstep, we apologise.”

This was the first time President Ruto publicly issued an apology to the youth, following a year marked by strained relations between his administration and young Kenyans over the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

Faced with mounting public pressure, Ruto announced on June 26, 2024, that he would not sign the bill into law.

This decision came after a week of nationwide protests, largely driven by the youth, who argued that the proposed tax measures would further strain an already overburdened population.

Speaking at State House alongside allied members of parliament, President Ruto announced that after considering the widespread opposition from Kenyans, he would refuse to sign the Finance Bill 2024 into law.

"After reflecting on the ongoing discussions surrounding the content of the Finance Bill 2024, I have decided to withhold my assent," Ruto said.

"As such, I will not sign the Finance Bill 2024; it will be withdrawn, and I have reached an agreement with these members that this will be our official stance."

The president also committed to engaging with Kenya’s youth to understand their views and concerns.

"I propose a dialogue with the young people of our nation to listen to their issues and reach consensus on their priority concerns," he added.

Looking ahead, Ruto emphasized the need for a broad, multi-sectoral conversation on Kenya’s public debt and its implications for the country’s future.