What a Seventh Term Means for Uganda Under Museveni
Landslide victory strengthens long rule
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term in office after winning 72% of the vote in the recently concluded presidential election. Supporters see the result as a strong endorsement of his nearly 40 years in power, which began when he took control of the country in 1986.
The outcome closely matches Museveni’s best performance of 74%, recorded during Uganda’s first direct presidential election in 1996. At 81 years old, the president argues that the vote confirms his continued popularity among a large majority of Ugandans.
Opposition rejects results
However, the election result has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Museveni’s main challenger, Bobi Wine, rejected the outcome, calling it “fake.” The former pop star said he went into hiding after security forces raided his home, raising fresh concerns over political freedoms and election credibility.
Stability and economic promises
During the campaign, Museveni focused on his long record in office. He claimed that his leadership brought political stability and economic growth, especially during a period of global uncertainty.
Looking ahead, he promised to guide Uganda toward middle-income status by 2030, a goal his supporters describe as a defining achievement of his leadership. If completed, Museveni would end his seventh term the following year.
Oil industry central to future plans
Museveni has placed Uganda’s emerging oil sector at the center of his economic strategy. He told voters that oil exports would help drive double-digit economic growth once production begins.
The government has set October as the target date for the first crude oil exports. The oil will travel through a 1,443-kilometer pipeline linking Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga on the Indian Ocean.
Health questions linger
Despite his advanced age, Museveni worked to present an image of strength and control. He told supporters that he had visited all of Uganda’s more than 140 constituencies during the campaign.
However, sudden cancellations of campaign events in early October raised questions. Officials cited “state duties,” but repeated pauses in his schedule fueled speculation about fatigue and possible health concerns, which the government has not directly addressed.
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