Uganda's Museveni Seeks Extended Rule Amid Political Turmoil

Sun Jul 06 2025 20:14:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Uganda's Museveni Seeks Extended Rule Amid Political Turmoil

Long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, at 80, aims to secure another term amid criticism and a challenging political landscape.


Yoweri Museveni, Uganda's 80-year-old president, has been confirmed as the ruling party's candidate for the upcoming presidential election, which seeks to extend his nearly 40-year rule. Critics highlight his authoritarian governance while opposition figures like Bobi Wine express concerns over growing state repression.



Uganda's enduring political narrative takes center stage as President Yoweri Museveni, at the age of 80, has been officially announced as the candidate for his ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), for the upcoming presidential election slated for next January. This move potentially enables Museveni to extend his nearly 40-year tenure in power, a record among Africa's longest-serving leaders.

In a spirited acceptance speech, Museveni conveyed his resolve to respond to the people's call and vowed to continue his ambitious vision of transforming Uganda into a "high middle income country." Critics, however, point to his authoritarian rule since he rose to power as a rebel leader in 1986, claiming that he has maintained his grip on office through questionable electoral victories and constitutional amendments that eliminated age and term limits.

The upcoming election is shaping up to be fiercely contested, with pop star-turned-political figure Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, emerging as Museveni's key rival. Wine, who had previously announced his intent to run if nominated by the National Unity Platform, expressed growing concerns over state repression, stating, "Being in the opposition in Uganda means being labelled a terrorist."

In the last contested election in 2021, Wine lost to Museveni, garnering 35% of the vote compared to Museveni's 59%, amidst accusations of electoral fraud and a significant crackdown on opposition members. Another prominent opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, remains in detention on treason charges, which he contests as politically motivated.

During his recent NRM conference acceptance speech, Museveni emphasized the importance of stability and development, stating that Uganda must not "miss the bus of history." He referenced countries in Asia that have achieved economic success with fewer natural resources, asserting Uganda could replicate that model by taking a "qualitative leap" forward.

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