Uganda’s Electoral Commission has announced January 15 as the date for the country’s next general election, in which long-serving President Yoweri Museveni will once again contest for the presidency, aiming to extend his rule to nearly half a century.
President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is now Africa’s fourth longest-serving leader. His government has twice amended the constitution—first to remove term limits and later to scrap the presidential age limit—allowing him to continue seeking re-election.
As in the 2021 polls, Museveni’s main challenger is expected to be 43-year-old musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi. Wine has built a strong following among Uganda’s youth, leveraging his popularity as a pop star to mobilize support against the ruling establishment.
Bobi Wine has repeatedly accused Museveni of winning past elections through vote-rigging, intimidation, and bribery—claims the ruling party has consistently denied, insisting that Museveni’s victories reflect genuine popular support.
In addition to the presidential race, voters will also elect members of parliament, with six other candidates representing smaller political parties vying for the presidency.
A former rebel leader, Museveni is credited with restoring stability to Uganda, boosting economic growth, and leading efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. However, critics accuse his administration of human rights abuses, corruption, and suppressing political dissent—allegations that government officials deny, saying all detentions and prosecutions follow due process.
The Museveni government hopes to spur economic growth next year with the commencement of crude oil exports from fields operated by France’s TotalEnergies and China’s CNOOC. Officials project that oil revenues could push Uganda’s growth rate into double digits.
Uganda remains a key geopolitical player in East Africa, maintaining troops in Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea as part of peacekeeping and regional security operations.
Kenya and Senegal Sign Landmark Visa-Waiver Agreement to Boost Trade and Cooperation
Source:Africa Publicity
