Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the East African nation since 1986, is seeking a seventh term in office as voters prepare for a general election this Thursday.
If re-elected, the 81-year-old leader will extend his four-decade tenure into a fifth decade.
One of Africa’s longest-serving presidents, initially came to power after leading a successful insurgency and was once celebrated for helping stabilise the country and defeat the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency.
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However, his extended time in office has drawn growing criticism over alleged authoritarianism, corruption, and repeated constitutional changes including the removal of presidential term limits and age caps that have enabled him to stay in power.
As Uganda approaches the election, tensions have risen. Security forces are heavily present in the capital, Kampala, with soldiers and armoured vehicles seen on the streets ahead of polling day.
Authorities have also shut down the internet and limited mobile services in the lead-up to the vote, citing concerns over misinformation and unrest, a move critics say undermines transparency.
The election is shaping up as a contest between entrenched incumbency and demands for change. Museveni’s main challenger is Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu), a popular musician-turned-politician who has built a strong youth following by tapping into frustrations over high unemployment, economic hardship, and political freedom.
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Observers say Wine’s campaign has faced crackdowns, including the heavy presence of security forces at rallies.
Despite these challenges, many analysts still view Museveni as the likely favourite in this election, pointing to his long-standing political machinery, rural support base, and control over state institutions.
The outcome of the election and how it is conducted is being watched closely both within Uganda and internationally, amid continuing debate about democratic norms, youth representation, and the future political direction of the country.
Image Credit: Google
News Source: Reuters
