Museveni moves for seventh term after nearly four decades in power

 

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has declared his intention to seek a seventh term in office, a move that could extend his stay in power to over 40 years, cementing his status as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

Museveni, 81, first assumed power in 1986 after leading a rebel movement that toppled a military government. At the time, he pledged to usher in a new era of democratic governance and an end to dictatorship and misrule.

Nearly four decades later, critics argue that those promises have been undermined by widespread corruption, shrinking democratic space, and increasing centralisation of power.

Ironically, Museveni himself once warned against prolonged leadership, famously stating that “the problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people but leaders who want to overstay in power.” The remark has since been repeatedly cited by opposition figures as evidence of unmet commitments.

Museveni has won all six presidential elections he has contested, though opposition parties have consistently rejected the outcomes, alleging electoral malpractice and voter suppression. The government has denied the allegations, while security agencies have frequently dispersed protests challenging election results.

Despite the controversies, his administration has received international commendation for its early response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, its role in ending the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency, and Uganda’s participation in regional peacekeeping missions in Somalia and South Sudan. The country also hosts one of the largest refugee populations on the continent.

However, corruption allegations have remained a recurring issue. Parliamentary investigations have accused senior government officials and close allies of benefiting from questionable privatisation deals, even as key public services remain poorly funded.

“Corruption has been central to his rule from the beginning,” said Kristof Titeca, a professor at the University of Antwerp.

Museveni has acknowledged the existence of corruption within government but insists that officials found guilty have faced prosecution.

Economically, Uganda has recorded growth over the years, but critics say it has failed to translate into broad-based prosperity. According to UNICEF, only one in four Ugandan children who begin primary education eventually reach secondary school, while unemployment and underemployment remain widespread.

In 2005, parliament abolished presidential term limits, a decision widely viewed as paving the way for Museveni’s continued hold on power.

His main challenger in the forthcoming election is opposition leader and musician Bobi Wine, 43. While analysts believe Museveni remains the frontrunner, attention is increasingly shifting toward the question of succession, particularly amid concerns about the president’s age and health.

Speculation has also intensified around Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the army chief, whose rapid rise through the military ranks has fuelled accusations of an attempt at dynastic succession — claims the government has repeatedly denied.

“The big question looming over this election is succession,” Titeca said.

Veteran journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo noted that the election may be less about the final tally and more about public sentiment.

“This is less about the results that will be announced and more about the mood on the ground,” he said, adding that any transfer of power may still be years away.