President Yoweri Museveni, at 80 years old, is determined to maintain his grip on power, positioning himself for a fifth term while critics raise concerns over democratic integrity.
**Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni Seeks Fifth Term in Office Amidst Criticism**

**Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni Seeks Fifth Term in Office Amidst Criticism**
Uganda's long-serving leader aims to extend his presidency as elections approach, facing mounting opposition.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for almost 40 years, has officially been nominated as the candidate for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for the upcoming presidential elections set for January. In a recent acceptance speech, the 80-year-old leader expressed his commitment to transforming Uganda into a "high middle-income country" if re-elected.
Museveni's tenure began in 1986 when he took control as a rebel leader and has since seen him maintain dominance over Uganda's political landscape. He has faced multiple allegations of authoritarianism, winning every election under controversial circumstances. The Ugandan constitution has been altered twice to eliminate age and term limits, enabling him to remain in power for four decades.
The president is expected to face significant competition from pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi. Wine has voiced intentions to challenge Museveni's authority, although he has highlighted the increasing difficulties faced by opposition figures in Uganda, including being labeled as terrorists. In the previous election held in 2021, Wine came in second, with Museveni receiving 59% of the vote amid allegations of electoral fraud and government suppression of dissent.
Another opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, has been in detention since November, accused of treason—a charge he maintains is politically motivated. In his address, Museveni asserted his leadership has fostered stability and growth for the nation, urging a need for Uganda to capitalize on historical opportunities for advancement, mirroring successes seen in other resource-poor nations in Asia.
As Uganda gears up for the elections, the prospects for a fair contest hang in the balance, with the stakes higher than ever for both the ruling government and the opposition.
Museveni's tenure began in 1986 when he took control as a rebel leader and has since seen him maintain dominance over Uganda's political landscape. He has faced multiple allegations of authoritarianism, winning every election under controversial circumstances. The Ugandan constitution has been altered twice to eliminate age and term limits, enabling him to remain in power for four decades.
The president is expected to face significant competition from pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi. Wine has voiced intentions to challenge Museveni's authority, although he has highlighted the increasing difficulties faced by opposition figures in Uganda, including being labeled as terrorists. In the previous election held in 2021, Wine came in second, with Museveni receiving 59% of the vote amid allegations of electoral fraud and government suppression of dissent.
Another opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, has been in detention since November, accused of treason—a charge he maintains is politically motivated. In his address, Museveni asserted his leadership has fostered stability and growth for the nation, urging a need for Uganda to capitalize on historical opportunities for advancement, mirroring successes seen in other resource-poor nations in Asia.
As Uganda gears up for the elections, the prospects for a fair contest hang in the balance, with the stakes higher than ever for both the ruling government and the opposition.