Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has expressed interest in a seventh term in office, a move that could extend his grip on power to nearly four decades and further cement his place among Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Museveni, now 81, has ruled Uganda since 1986, when he led a rebel movement that toppled a military government and ushered in what he described at the time as a new political dawn for the country.
themomentng reports that at his swearing-in in 1986, Museveni declared that Uganda was undergoing a “fundamental change” after years of dictatorship and instability.
However, almost 40 years later, critics argue that those promises have largely faded, replaced by widespread corruption, democratic decline and an ever-tightening grip on power.
Ironically, Museveni himself once warned against prolonged rule.
“The problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people but leaders who want to overstay in power,” he said shortly after assuming office, a quote frequently cited by his opponents as proof of unfulfilled pledges.
Museveni has won all six presidential elections he has contested, but opposition parties have consistently rejected the outcomes, alleging vote-rigging, intimidation and irregularities
Authorities have repeatedly denied the claims, while security forces have moved swiftly to suppress protests following disputed polls.
Despite the controversies, Museveni has remained firmly in control of Uganda’s political landscape.
