When Yoweri Museveni seized power in Uganda in 1986, he declared that “the problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people but leaders who want to overstay in power.” Now 81, the former rebel leader is seeking a seventh term in office on Thursday, after nearly four decades at the helm of the East African nation — a country where the vast majority of citizens have never known another leader.Museveni rose to power on a wave of optimism after leading insurgencies against autocratic governments. That goodwill, however, was later eroded by allegations of graft and authoritarianism. “Corruption has been central to his rule from the beginning,” Kristof Titeca, a professor at the University of Antwerp, told Reuters.His government received praise for tackling the AIDS epidemic and defeating the Lord’s Resistance Army, which brutalised Ugandans for nearly two decades. However, corruption has hollowed out public services. According to UNICEF, only one in four Ugandan children who enter primary school makes it to secondary education, while well-paying jobs remain scarce. Museveni has acknowledged that some government officials engaged in corrupt practices but maintains that those caught have been prosecuted. A shrewd political strategist, Museveni has cultivated strong foreign alliances by aligning with Western security priorities, deploying peacekeepers to hotspots such as Somalia and South Sudan, and hosting large numbers of refugees. At home, his record remains mixed. His government received praise for tackling the AIDS epidemic and defeating the Lord’s Resistance Army, which brutalised Ugandans for nearly two decades. However, corruption has hollowed out public services. According to UNICEF, only one in four Ugandan children who enter primary school makes it to secondary education, while well-paying jobs remain scarce. Museveni’s political journey began in exile, where he founded a militant movement that helped oust President Idi Amin. Milton Obote later returned to power in 1980 but was toppled in a 1985 coup. In 1986, Museveni’s National Resistance Movement overthrew President Tito Okello. “This is not a mere change of guard,” Museveni said at his swearing-in. “This is a fundamental change in the politics of our government.” Western nations initially applauded his efforts to restore order, attract investment and raise living standards. But as economic growth picked up, public anger over corruption intensified. Under a privatisation programme, dozens of state enterprises were sold at heavily discounted prices to Museveni’s relatives and allies, according to parliamentary reports, some of which said proceeds were embezzled. Kizza Besigye, Museveni’s former personal doctor during the bush war years, later fell out with him, accusing him of corruption and human rights abuses. Related News Ugandan opposition denounces 'military state' ahead of election Museveni nears 40-year rule as Ugandans head to poll Trumpism and the rest of usMuseveni has won all six presidential elections he has contested, including four against Besigye, who was arrested in 2024 and now faces treason charges. In 2005, parliament scrapped presidential term limits — a move critics said was designed to keep Museveni in power indefinitely. Opposition candidates have consistently rejected election results over alleged irregularities. Authorities have denied the claims, while police cracked down on protests by opposition supporters. In 2006, Museveni dismissed Western criticism, saying, “If the international community has lost confidence in us, then that is a compliment because they are habitually wrong.” He has since deepened ties with China, Russia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates to reduce reliance on Western partners
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