01/13/2026
Uganda’s long-serving president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is facing renewed criticism after confirming his intention to seek a seventh term in office, despite previously speaking against African leaders who cling to power. Having ruled since 1986, Museveni is now 81, and more than three-quarters of Uganda’s population under 40 have known no other president.
Museveni came to power after leading an armed rebellion that overthrew the government following years of instability under Milton Obote and Idi Amin. Born in 1944 in western Uganda, he grew up during a turbulent colonial and post-independence era, later studying economics and political science at the University of Dar es Salaam, where he built regional political alliances. His rise continued through guerrilla warfare in the early 1980s, culminating in his National Resistance Movement taking power in 1986.
His presidency has delivered long periods of stability, steady economic growth averaging over 6 percent for several years, improved primary school enrolment, and a significant decline in HIV rates due to aggressive public health campaigns. These achievements earned him strong Western backing. However, his reputation suffered after Uganda’s involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo war in the late 1990s and growing accusations of authoritarianism.
Critics argue that Museveni has maintained power by weakening opposition, undermining independent institutions, and changing the constitution. In 2005, presidential term limits were removed, and in 2017, age limits were scrapped, moves widely seen as clearing the path for him to rule indefinitely. While some Ugandans credit him for peace and development, others believe his extended rule has stalled democratic progress. As he eyes yet another term, the debate over whether he will eventually step aside or remain in power continues.
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