KAMPALA, Uganda — At 81 years old, President Yoweri Museveni is preparing to run for a seventh term, nearly 40 years after seizing power in 1986. For most Ugandans under 40 — more than three‑quarters of the population — Museveni is the only leader they have ever known.
From Rebel Leader to Long‑Serving President
- Born in 1944 in western Uganda, Museveni studied economics and political science at the University of Dar es Salaam.
- He rose to prominence in the 1970s, helping oust dictator Idi Amin with Tanzanian support.
- In 1981, he launched a guerrilla war against Milton Obote’s government, eventually taking power in 1986 with his National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Achievements and Reputation
- Oversaw economic growth averaging 6% in the 1990s.
- Expanded primary school enrolment and spearheaded an anti‑AIDS campaign that reduced HIV rates.
- Became a Western ally, though his reputation suffered after Uganda and Rwanda invaded the DR Congo in 1998.
Constitutional Changes
Museveni once wrote: “The problem of Africa… is leaders who want to overstay in power.” Yet by 2005, Uganda’s constitution was amended to remove term limits. In 2017, the age cap for presidential candidates was scrapped, paving the way for Museveni’s continued rule.
Critics and Opposition
- Accused of weakening institutions, including the judiciary and media.
- Opposition figures like Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine have faced repeated arrests, harassment, and violent crackdowns.
- Security forces have been accused of using live ammunition against peaceful assemblies, while UN reports highlight abductions of opposition members.
Support Base
Museveni’s supporters credit him with:
- Decades of relative stability.
- Hosting 1.7 million refugees, making Uganda Africa’s largest refugee host.
- Attracting foreign investment from China, the UK, and UAE.
- Positioning Uganda to become a middle‑income country by 2040.
Succession Concerns
Critics worry Museveni is building a family dynasty:
- His wife, Janet Museveni, is education minister.
- His son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, heads the army and is seen as a possible successor.
- His grandson recently joined the military.
Outlook
Despite criticism, Museveni remains confident: “Uganda is secure. Go out and vote. The Ugandan NRM are unstoppable.” With nearly four decades of experience, he appears determined to extend his rule into a seventh term.