A declaration by Yoweri Museveni to run for the upcoming presidential election in Uganda raises concerns about political repression and election integrity, as the veteran leader faces challengers who criticize his lengthy rule.
Uganda's Museveni Seeks to Extend Tenure Amidst Opposition Challenges
Uganda's Museveni Seeks to Extend Tenure Amidst Opposition Challenges
President Yoweri Museveni, at 80, aims to prolong his nearly four-decade rule in Uganda’s upcoming elections, facing criticism and opposition from figures like Bobi Wine.
Uganda's long-standing president, Yoweri Museveni, has officially announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election next year, a move that could potentially extend his 40-year reign. The 80-year-old leader, who has maintained power since 1986 after a rebel uprising, emphasized his commitment to transforming Uganda into a “high middle income country” during his acceptance speech at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) conference. Despite his claims of stability and progress under his leadership, critics argue that he has ruled with authoritarian control, having amended the constitution twice to eliminate age and term limits to remain in power.
Pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, known offstage as Robert Kyagulanyi, is poised to be Museveni’s foremost challenger in the elections scheduled for January. Wine has previously expressed the increasing difficulties of being in opposition due to rising state repression, sharing how dissenters are labeled as terrorists. He lost to Museveni in the contentious 2021 elections, which were marred by allegations of rigging and heavy-handed crackdowns on the opposition.
Additionally, prominent opposition figure Kizza Besigye continues to be detained on treason accusations, which he contends are politically motivated. In juxtaposition to his critics, Museveni insists that Uganda must not "miss the bus of history" as Europe evolved while Africa stagnated. He is determined to see Uganda take a "qualitative leap," aspiring for the nation to elevate its status economically.
As the countdown to the election begins, the focus is on how Museveni’s longstanding leadership will withstand the pressures of emerging opposition voices demanding equitable change in Uganda’s governance.
