In an announcement at the National Resistance Movement conference, Yoweri Museveni confirmed his intention to run for another term in Uganda's presidential election, positioning himself as a stabilizing force. However, opposition figures argue that his long tenure has stifled democracy and freedom in the country.
Uganda's Museveni Seeks to Extend 40-Year Rule Amidst Rising Opposition
Uganda's Museveni Seeks to Extend 40-Year Rule Amidst Rising Opposition
As Yoweri Museveni, Uganda's 80-year-old president, announces his candidacy for re-election, he faces mounting criticism and significant opposition from challengers like Bobi Wine.
Uganda's long-serving president, Yoweri Museveni, who is now 80 years old, has officially been declared the candidate for the governing party in next year's presidential election. This development paves the way for him to continue extending his nearly four-decade reign. During his acceptance speech, Museveni asserted that he is responding to a call from the people and, if re-elected, he aims to propel Uganda towards becoming a "high middle-income country."
Critics, however, have painted a starkly different picture, asserting that Museveni has maintained a repressive grip on power since he took control as a rebel leader back in 1986. He has successfully claimed victory in every election held since then, and constitutional changes have effectively removed age and term limits, enabling him to remain in office indefinitely.
Prominent opposition figure Bobi Wine, a pop star turned politician, is anticipated to be Museveni's key rival in the upcoming January elections. Wine expressed earlier this year that he would challenge Museveni if nominated by his party, the National Unity Platform, yet acknowledged the increasing difficulties for opposition members in light of mounting government repression. Describing the political climate, Wine stated, "Being in the opposition in Uganda means being labelled a terrorist."
In the 2021 elections, Wine faced significant obstacles, losing to Museveni with a reported 35% to 59% amidst widespread claims of election fraud and a crackdown on dissenting voices. Meanwhile, opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been jailed since November on treason charges, claims which he refutes as politically motivated.
In his remarks, Museveni highlighted what he views as his achievements in promoting stability and progress in Uganda, stressing the importance for the nation to seize historic opportunities. He reflected on the necessity for Uganda to avoid repeating past mistakes, when opportunities for growth were missed, contrasting Uganda's situation with countries in Asia that have prospered despite lacking abundant natural resources.
