President Yoweri Museveni’s son-in-law Odrek Rwabwogo has sparked fresh debate in Uganda after calling for greater tolerance of criticism, free speech and open discussions, saying that a democratic society must allow even uncomfortable voices to be heard.
Rwabwogo, who is also a presidential adviser and businessman, argued that democracy cannot exist without disagreement, criticism and independent media platforms that sometimes publish views that leaders may not like.
Speaking in a recent online video message, Rwabwogo said that allowing people to freely express themselves is a sign of confidence in a nation’s democratic institutions and leadership.
He emphasized that leaders should not fear criticism because those in positions of power will always face different opinions from citizens, journalists and political opponents.
According to Rwabwogo, a country that claims to embrace democracy must accept that there will always be media houses and individuals whose opinions may appear negative or uncomfortable to those in government.
He pointed out that even what some leaders describe as “bad media” plays a role in society because it creates space for public debate and allows different sides of national issues to be heard.
“Democracy means you must have bad media like NTV and Daily Monitor,” Rwabwogo said, arguing that freedom of expression requires tolerance even when reports or opinions are not favourable to those in authority.
He explained that the answer to criticism should not be intimidation, arrests or attempts to silence voices, but rather better communication and engagement with the public.
Rwabwogo said he personally understands what it means to face criticism, claiming that he has been targeted by negative comments, false accusations and misinformation for many years.
However, he said that he has chosen a different approach by responding through dialogue, defending himself publicly where necessary and using legal channels when he believes his reputation has been damaged.
He argued that powerful individuals should avoid using state institutions to deal with critics, saying that leaders must demonstrate patience and restraint when dealing with opposition or dissenting opinions.
According to him, attempting to silence every critic is impossible because societies naturally produce different views, especially in the era of social media where millions of people can express themselves instantly.
Rwabwogo warned that intolerance towards dissent could harm Uganda’s international image and discourage investors who pay attention to issues such as democracy, human rights and rule of law before making business decisions.
He said Uganda’s economic ambitions, including plans to grow the economy into a much larger global player, require confidence from investors and international partners.
Rwabwogo noted that Uganda needs a positive global reputation to attract foreign investment, increase exports and create opportunities for its growing population.
He argued that economic transformation cannot happen successfully if citizens feel afraid to speak freely or participate in national conversations.
The presidential adviser also spoke about the importance of young people being allowed to think independently, challenge ideas and contribute solutions to the country’s problems without fear.
He said innovation and development thrive in environments where people can freely exchange ideas, including ideas that challenge those in authority.
Rwabwogo further called on government leaders and political supporters to avoid blind loyalty and instead encourage honest discussions that can help improve national leadership.
He said leaders should surround themselves with people who can provide truthful advice rather than individuals who only praise them and hide problems.
On the issue of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Rwabwogo said the party must continue changing and adapting if it wants to remain relevant in the future.
He described the party as an organization that needs renewal and fresh energy, arguing that internal criticism should be welcomed because it helps identify weaknesses and improve performance.
Rwabwogo called for reforms within the Movement, including stronger grassroots structures, more participation from ordinary members and reduced dependence on a few individuals for political direction and resources.
He also urged leaders to treat all Ugandans with dignity regardless of their political views, saying that national development requires cooperation from people with different opinions.
His remarks have generated discussion among Ugandans, with some praising his call for openness while others continue debating the challenges surrounding freedom of expression and political space in the country.
Rwabwogo’s message comes at a time when questions about democracy, media freedom and the relationship between government and critics remain major topics of public discussion in Uganda.
He maintained that Uganda’s future success depends not only on economic growth but also on building institutions where citizens feel respected, heard and free to participate in shaping the country’s direction.
