Yoweri Museveni: From Criticizing Power-Hungry Leaders to Pursuing a Seventh Term

Mon Jan 12 2026 17:51:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, seeks a seventh term in office amid allegations of authoritarianism and the sidelining of opposition voices. As Uganda's youth, who have known no other leader, prepare for the elections, debates about stability versus oppression intensify.

Yoweri Museveni, at the age of 81, continues to push for a seventh presidential term in Uganda, raising questions about his transition from a critic of long-serving leaders to a ruler who has remained in power for decades. The article explores Museveni's historical context, political strategies, and the implications for Uganda's future as citizens confront issues of democracy and governance.

Ugandans under the age of 40 - and that is more than three-quarters of the population - have only known one president.

Yoweri Museveni seized the top job in 1986 following an armed uprising and at the age of 81, he shows no signs of budging.

His time at the helm has been accompanied by a long period of peace and significant development, for which many are grateful. But his critics say he has maintained his grip on power through a mixture of sidelining opponents and compromising independent institutions.

We don't believe in [presidential] term limits, he once told the BBC, secure in his role after winning a fifth election.

A year later, the age limit for a presidential candidate was removed - paving the way, many believe, for Museveni to become president for life.

Museveni's journey began in 1944, born into a family of cattle keepers in Ankole, western Uganda. Growing up during Uganda's tumultuous journey to independence from the UK contributed to shaping his political views and ambitions.

Despite initial support from the West during the 1990s due to economic growth and stability, Museveni's administration has faced increasing criticism for its authoritarian tendencies, including a crackdown on media freedoms and opposition figures.

On the eve of his expected seventh election victory, Museveni remains a polarizing figure, embodying both the hopes and disillusionments of a nation caught between seeking stability and aspiring for democratization.