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.
“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.
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.
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.
