Kampala — A debate has emerged within the online Ugandan community UOX after Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura publicly urged current president Kwikiriza “Nova” to consider staying in office longer, citing his impact during his nearly two-year tenure.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Nyanjura said she recently met Nova and encouraged him to remain in leadership beyond his term, which is expected to end next month.
“I met @KwikirizaNova a few days ago. I felt it necessary to meet him and request him hang on for at least another year as our UOX President,” Nyanjura wrote. “I am one of the people that underrated him when he was selected to lead us, but wow, this guy here is a true servant, he is a hands-on leader; he has touched and transformed lives.”
She highlighted several initiatives launched during Nova’s tenure, including free workshops teaching users how to monetize their social media handles, support for community protests, and mobilization of assistance for victims of disasters.
“Lately, he is teaching us how to earn from our handles. He is doing a lot of good work, moreover at no cost!” she said, before asking followers: “Do you people agree with me that we still need Nova as our leader?”
Her remarks quickly sparked debate among members of the online community. Some supporters praised Nova’s leadership and described him as an exceptional and dedicated servant leader whose initiatives have benefited students, activists, and small businesses.
However, critics warned against extending leadership terms without clear justification. One user, Scovia Nakamya, argued that leadership rotation is important: “He is very good at what he does, but how will you know others are capable before giving them a chance? His tenure would be extended under certain circumstances, like a crisis—in this case, there is none.”
The debate has also drawn comparisons to broader discussions about leadership longevity in Uganda, where critics often caution against bending rules to keep leaders in power.
Nyanjura later clarified that she was not necessarily advocating for an automatic extension but encouraging Nova to run again if he wishes. “Actually, I don’t want his tenure to be extended, I want him to contest again,” she wrote in a follow-up post.
For his part, Nova has previously indicated that one term may be enough, though discussions about his legacy and possible future leadership continue among members of the community.
The ongoing conversation reflects broader questions about leadership, succession, and accountability within online civic movements, as supporters weigh Nova’s achievements against the principle of giving others the opportunity to lead.
