When Museveni seized power that year, he famously declared that “the problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people but leaders who want to overstay in power.”
Uganda’s long-serving President, Yoweri Museveni, is seeking a seventh term in office on Thursday, a move that could extend his grip on power to nearly four decades since he took control of the East African nation in 1986.
When Museveni seized power that year, he famously 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 years old, the former rebel leader is once again on the ballot, aiming to prolong a presidency under which the vast majority of Ugandans have never known another national leader.
Museveni initially rose to power on a wave of optimism after leading armed insurgencies against autocratic governments.
Over time, however, that early goodwill has been eroded by persistent allegations of corruption, shrinking civic space, and increasingly authoritarian rule.
“Corruption has been central to his rule from the beginning,” Kristof Titeca, a professor at the University of Antwerp, told Reuters.
Museveni has admitted that some officials in his administration have been involved in corrupt practices but insists that those found culpable have been prosecuted.
Widely regarded as a shrewd political operator, the Ugandan leader has built and sustained strong foreign alliances by aligning his government with Western security interests, deploying peacekeeping forces to conflict zones such as Somalia and South Sudan, and hosting one of the largest refugee populations in Africa.
Domestically, however, his record remains mixed.
While his government has been praised for confronting the HIV/AIDS epidemic and defeating the Lord’s Resistance Army, which terrorised communities across northern Uganda for nearly two decades, corruption has steadily eroded public institutions and public services.
UNICEF data shows that only one in four Ugandan children who begin primary school eventually reach secondary education, amid limited access to stable, well-paying jobs.
Museveni’s rise to power began in exile, where he formed a militant movement that played a role in the overthrow of President Idi Amin. Although Milton Obote returned to office in 1980, his administration was ended by a military coup in 1985.
The following year, in 1986, Museveni’s National Resistance Movement seized power, toppling the government of 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.
Museveni 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.
The discovery of major oil reserves further strengthened his position, leading to agreements with TotalEnergies and CNOOC to construct an export pipeline.
Museveni’s main rival in Thursday’s election is Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old pop star turned politician.
Analysts say Museveni’s victory is almost certain, but uncertainty looms over what comes next, as the president shows signs of physical frailty.
“The big question looming over the election is the question of succession,” Titeca said, pointing to the rapid rise of Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military chief.
The opposition has accused Museveni of fast-tracking Kainerugaba’s career to prepare him for succession, while veteran politicians who once fought alongside Museveni have been sidelined.
Former newspaper editor Charles Onyango-Obbo said the election outcome could shape Museveni’s next political moves.
“This is less about the results that will be announced, and more about the mood on the ground,” Onyango-Obbo said, adding that a handover could still be years away.
“Museveni is more frail now, but he is a workaholic… he will not leave even if he needs to use a walking stick,” he said.