Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni plans to seek another term during elections scheduled for January 2026. The 80-year-old leader has controlled the East African nation since 1986. His ruling National Resistance Movement party confirmed he will collect nomination papers on June 28. Party official Tanga Odoi said Museveni wants to run for both party chairman and presidential candidate positions. The announcement means Museveni could extend his 39-year rule for four more years.
Museveni ranks as Africa's fourth longest-serving current leader. His main challenger Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, disputed the 2021 election results. Kyagulanyi claimed security forces used intimidation and ballot stuffing to steal his victory. The ruling party has already changed Uganda's constitution twice to allow Museveni extended terms. African Union leaders face calls to pressure the aging president into stepping aside.
Several African presidents have held power for decades without democratic transitions. Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982. Denis Sassou Nguesso has controlled Congo for 39 years. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo leads Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him the continent's longest-serving ruler at 46 years. Isaias Afwerki has governed Eritrea since independence in 1993.
Critics argue these long-serving leaders block political reform and economic development across Africa. Many suppress opposition groups and eliminate perceived enemies to maintain control. The pattern of elderly rulers refusing to step down continues harming democratic progress throughout the continent.
Museveni ranks as Africa's fourth longest-serving current leader. His main challenger Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, disputed the 2021 election results. Kyagulanyi claimed security forces used intimidation and ballot stuffing to steal his victory. The ruling party has already changed Uganda's constitution twice to allow Museveni extended terms. African Union leaders face calls to pressure the aging president into stepping aside.
Several African presidents have held power for decades without democratic transitions. Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon since 1982. Denis Sassou Nguesso has controlled Congo for 39 years. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo leads Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him the continent's longest-serving ruler at 46 years. Isaias Afwerki has governed Eritrea since independence in 1993.
Critics argue these long-serving leaders block political reform and economic development across Africa. Many suppress opposition groups and eliminate perceived enemies to maintain control. The pattern of elderly rulers refusing to step down continues harming democratic progress throughout the continent.
