Generational Clash: Uganda's Youth Question the Future Under an 81-Year-Old Leader

Tue Jan 13 2026 10:20:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Uganda prepares for a presidential election featuring 81-year-old Yoweri Museveni, the nation's youth—who make up a majority of the population—express their hopes for change amidst a political landscape dominated by aging leadership.

With a median age of 17, Uganda's youth play a vital role in the political landscape as they confront an election featuring long-serving President Yoweri Museveni. The generational divide between the ruling party and the youthful opposition leader, Bobi Wine, is more pronounced than ever as the country grapples with issues of inclusion and representation.

As Uganda readies itself for a presidential election, the spotlight is on 81-year-old Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the nation for four decades. In a country where a staggering majority of the population is under 17, the gap between the aging leadership and the youthful electorate reveals an urgent question: will the young voters support another term for Museveni?

Among the political giants, the vibrant young voices hold sway, as youth supporters clad in the bright colors of their preferred political party fill the streets. These young Ugandans, led by passion and the power of social media, voice their aspirations in an election that serves as both a rematch and a referendum on the country's future.

Some young voters express their desire for change, championing Bobi Wine, the dynamic 43-year-old former pop star turned opposition leader. At rallies, his supporters assert that he embodies the hope for a better Uganda. Steven Bagasha Byaruhanga declares, If he gets to power, I believe he will take the country to a certain point in terms of development. We just need to trust him and allow him to bring out his potential. Yet there are those like Ndyasima Patrick, who stand firmly by Museveni, citing the stability he offers. He may have been in power for a long time, but we haven't got the right one yet, Patrick remarks.

As Museveni seeks to secure a seventh term under the slogan of continuity, the National Unity Platform (NUP) led by Bobi Wine counters with a clarion call for a 'Protest Vote.' This tug-of-war for the youthful electorate uncovers fears of stagnation alongside demands for innovation. The ruling government, amidst this climactic electoral storyline, remains heavily criticized for suppressing dissent and controlling the narrative.

Although Museveni's reign has yielded some ‘gains,’ the question looms large—what lies ahead for Uganda post-Museveni? Striking parallels are drawn with other regional leaders who clung to power; will Uganda follow suit or revolutionize its leadership?

With the election drawing closer, the tension oscillates between youthful optimism and entrenched power dynamics. In a nation marked by an acute youth bulge and dire economic opportunities, the call for change is unmistakable. Uganda's future hangs in a delicate balance as the young voters prepare to make their voices heard.