“Kisanja No Sleep” is a Test of Justice

An Islamic Insight on Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Fight

The 2026–2031 term of Museveni’s presidency has started at a very high pace. Almost every day, there is a major controversy in the media that has given Ugandans sleepless nights. This time, it has not been the usual leaked nudes that often dominate social media. Instead, it has been political rhetoric from different corners of the country.

From the Anita Annet Among saga, to the Nkeretanyi rhetoric during the election of the Speaker, to Dr. Muganga’s dual citizenship controversy, and not forgetting the social media exchanges between the newly appointed State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere and NTV Uganda C.E.O Suzan Nsibirwa.

Basically, Uganda has been kept busy with one controversy after another. Indeed, this seems to be the true meaning of “Kisanja No Sleep,” as President Museveni proclaimed it during his swearing-in at Kololo this year

Amidst all these developments, perhaps the one word that is on the lips of many Ugandans, especially newly elected leaders, is corruption. Almost every incoming leader has promised voters that this time they are serious about freeing Uganda from the cancer of corruption.

While some members of the public have welcomed these promises, many Ugandans remain skeptical because of the country’s long and disappointing history in the fight against corruption.

Of course, we can speak against corruption from sunrise to sunset. We can pass many laws aimed at fighting corruption, and in fact, Uganda already has some of the best anti-corruption laws on paper. We can launch serious anti-corruption operations, such as the recent Operation Maliza Ufisadi announced by the CDF. However, there is one reason why many of these efforts continue to fail. It is because there is a missing Link which is the Absence of Justice.

Justice is the foundation of order in society. Where there is justice, there is trust between leaders and citizens. When people trust their leaders, they also develop confidence in the law. When these things exist, political and socio-economic transformation becomes easier, and ultimately, a nation is to tread on the path of progress.

So what is justice?

There are many philosophical definitions of justice, but perhaps one of the most powerful definitions is found in the Holy Quran, Chapter 4, Verse 136 which states that;

“O ye who believe! Be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for the sake of Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred. Whether he be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both than you are. Therefore, follow not low desires so that you may be able to act equitably. And if you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of what you do.” (Quran 4:136)

From this verse, true justice is not only about going against your opponents. Real justice is when a person is prepared to uphold the truth even when it goes against himself, his family, his friends, the rich, or the poor. Allah emphasizes that in the pursuit of truth and justice, people should not be guided by personal interests or emotions. They must remain firm even when it requires authorities to sacrifice their personal interests for the good of the nation.

Unfortunately, in Uganda, discussions about corruption are often frustrated by double standards and political interests. These interests frequently stand in the way of genuine accountability.

The fight against corruption in Uganda can only succeed if there emerges a generation of leaders who are prepared to administer justice as described in the Quranic teaching above.

In other words, the public will only believe the fight is genuine when they see both political opponents and political allies being held accountable under the law. Friends, relatives, the rich, and the poor must all be treated equally.

Justice is not demonstrated by prosecuting only those whom we consider our adversaries. A leader is truly just when he or she is willing to stand for the truth even when it affects himself, relatives, tribesmen, friends, or political supporters.

The same principle is found in the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It is narrated that Usamah bin Zaid once tried to intercede on behalf of a woman who had committed theft. The Prophet (SAW) responded:

“The people before you were destroyed because they used to punish the poor and forgive the rich. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, had stolen, I would have cut off her hand.”

This narration teaches that whenever leaders begin applying laws selectively, a nation starts moving towards moral and social decline. What follows is disorder, mistrust, and a breakdown in the relationship between leaders and citizens.

During the recent State of the Nation Address, President Museveni reaffirmed his promise of “Kisanja No Sleep” and pledged to continue fighting corruption. Similarly, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has repeatedly expressed his commitment to fighting corruption through his social media posts, recently announced Operation Maliza Ufisadi (Operation Eradicate Corruption). He emphasized that the operation would be expanded and that no one would be spared, except President Museveni and the First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni.

However, in a recent social media post, the Member of Parliament for Kasambya County and General Secretary Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Hon.Daudi Kabanda, also warned against the double standards that often emerge whenever anti-corruption campaigns are launched.

Kabanda stated: “If we’re serious about fighting corruption, we can’t stop at exciting the public with house arrests and headlines. People must be prosecuted and convicted so everyone learns the lesson. This habit of forgiving, only for them to fight us again later, demoralizes every anti-corruption crusader. You can’t convict Nandutu over 300 iron sheets, then forgive the one who stole the entire economy. The law must apply equally to both the big and small fish.”

As Kisanja No Sleep and Operation Maliza Ufisadi remain in their early stages, the country continues to watch closely. Will the principles of justice and truth finally guide the fight against corruption, or will it become another chapter of political rhetoric?

Only time will tell.

The Writer is a Ugandan Journalist | Media & Communication Specialist exploring Media Ethics, Religion, Politics, Culture & Society