In his acceptance speech, Museveni asserted his commitment to transforming Uganda into a high middle-income nation, despite criticism of his authoritarian governance and the political repression faced by opposition parties. The next election is set for January, with pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine poised to challenge Museveni’s reign amid growing concerns over democratic freedoms in the country.
Uganda's Museveni Declares Intent to Extend Presidency Amid Criticism
Uganda's Museveni Declares Intent to Extend Presidency Amid Criticism
In a bid to extend his nearly 40-year rule, Uganda's 80-year-old president, Yoweri Museveni, has been named his party's candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
Uganda's long-serving president, Yoweri Museveni, now 80 years old, has officially been named the candidate of his ruling party for the imminent presidential elections, a move that could allow him to extend his tenure nearing four decades in power. During his acceptance speech at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) conference, he expressed his dedication to advancing Uganda's status to a "high middle-income country" if re-elected.
Critics of Museveni argue that he has maintained a tight grip on power since he took control as a rebel leader in 1986, having won every election since under circumstances often marred by alleged corruption and electoral fraud. His administration has amended the constitution twice to eliminate age and term limits, further solidifying his rule.
Challenging Museveni's dominance is pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, born Robert Kyagulanyi, who is expected to run against him in January's contest. Wine, a significant figure during the last election in 2021, voiced his growing challenges as an opposition figure in a climate of increasing state repression. He noted that being in opposition in Uganda often comes with severe consequences, including being labeled a terrorist.
Another political figure, Kizza Besigye, remains imprisoned after being accused of treason, which he insists is a politically motivated allegation. In his address, Museveni highlighted his administration's contributions to Uganda's stability and advancement, warning against the historical pitfalls of African stagnation during past global transformations. He emphasized the ambition to propel Uganda to a "qualitative leap" resembling that of other thriving Asian nations despite their limited natural resources.
As the election draws near, questions linger regarding the future of democracy in Uganda and the electoral landscape marked by ongoing political tensions and state oppression.
Critics of Museveni argue that he has maintained a tight grip on power since he took control as a rebel leader in 1986, having won every election since under circumstances often marred by alleged corruption and electoral fraud. His administration has amended the constitution twice to eliminate age and term limits, further solidifying his rule.
Challenging Museveni's dominance is pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, born Robert Kyagulanyi, who is expected to run against him in January's contest. Wine, a significant figure during the last election in 2021, voiced his growing challenges as an opposition figure in a climate of increasing state repression. He noted that being in opposition in Uganda often comes with severe consequences, including being labeled a terrorist.
Another political figure, Kizza Besigye, remains imprisoned after being accused of treason, which he insists is a politically motivated allegation. In his address, Museveni highlighted his administration's contributions to Uganda's stability and advancement, warning against the historical pitfalls of African stagnation during past global transformations. He emphasized the ambition to propel Uganda to a "qualitative leap" resembling that of other thriving Asian nations despite their limited natural resources.
As the election draws near, questions linger regarding the future of democracy in Uganda and the electoral landscape marked by ongoing political tensions and state oppression.
