Yoweri Museveni grabbed power as Uganda's president on January 29, 1986 after fighting the government for five years. He led a rebel group called the National Resistance Movement and Army against Milton Obote's rule. Museveni said past leaders treated people badly and needed to go. He built a government that brought different political groups together. His forces took over the capital city Kampala and made him the new leader.
Before becoming president, Museveni helped kick out dictator Idi Amin from 1971 to 1979. He joined a group called FRONASA that worked with Tanzania's army to remove Amin from power. Uganda held elections after Amin left but Museveni lost the vote. He claimed Obote cheated and stole the election results. Museveni called Obote a fake president and decided to fight back.
Museveni started his war against Obote on February 6, 1981 with guerrilla attacks from the countryside. His rebel army battled government forces for four years around the Luweero Triangle area. The fighting weakened Obote's government and made people stop supporting him. Kenya's President Daniel Moi tried to help both sides make peace but the talks failed. Military officers removed Obote from power before Museveni could finish the job.
Museveni has stayed as Uganda's president ever since 1986, making him one of Africa's longest ruling leaders. Opposition politicians like Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine have tried to beat him multiple times. Both candidates have many supporters but neither has won against Museveni. Critics say Uganda's elections are not fair because Museveni controls the police, election officials and most news outlets.
Before becoming president, Museveni helped kick out dictator Idi Amin from 1971 to 1979. He joined a group called FRONASA that worked with Tanzania's army to remove Amin from power. Uganda held elections after Amin left but Museveni lost the vote. He claimed Obote cheated and stole the election results. Museveni called Obote a fake president and decided to fight back.
Museveni started his war against Obote on February 6, 1981 with guerrilla attacks from the countryside. His rebel army battled government forces for four years around the Luweero Triangle area. The fighting weakened Obote's government and made people stop supporting him. Kenya's President Daniel Moi tried to help both sides make peace but the talks failed. Military officers removed Obote from power before Museveni could finish the job.
Museveni has stayed as Uganda's president ever since 1986, making him one of Africa's longest ruling leaders. Opposition politicians like Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine have tried to beat him multiple times. Both candidates have many supporters but neither has won against Museveni. Critics say Uganda's elections are not fair because Museveni controls the police, election officials and most news outlets.
