Museveni Seeks to Extend His 40-Year Reign as Uganda Prepares for 2024 Elections

At 80 years old, Yoweri Museveni has formally accepted his party's nomination to run for president in Uganda's next election, pushing for an extension of his nearly four-decade rule amid ongoing criticism from opposition leaders and concerns over state repression.

Uganda's aging leader, Yoweri Museveni, 80, has officially been named the ruling party's candidate in the upcoming presidential election, setting the stage for him to potentially extend his nearly 40-year tenure. In his acceptance address, Museveni asserted that he is committed to his vision of transforming Uganda into a "high middle income country" if granted reelection. Known for his authoritarian governance since ascending to power as a rebel figure in 1986, Museveni has succeeded in every election since, aided by constitutional amendments that removed age and term limits to facilitate his continued leadership.

The primary opposition to Museveni's candidacy is likely to come from pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who has indicated his intention to challenge the president in the January elections. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, expressed to the BBC the hardships faced by the opposition, referring to the escalating state repression, stating that dissent is often criminalized. In the 2021 elections, Wine suffered a significant defeat to Museveni, with the results marred by allegations of electoral fraud and a rigorous crackdown on political competitors.

Another noteworthy opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, has faced legal troubles, having been detained since November under treason charges, vocally maintaining that his arrest is politically motivated. During the NRM conference, Museveni defended his record, claiming to have ushered in stability and progress for Uganda. He emphasized the need for Uganda to avoid the historical pitfalls that beset Africa while aiming for significant economic advancement, drawing comparisons to Asian nations that have thrived despite fewer natural resources.