Uganda’s leader aims for a seventh term in office

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    KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has officially announced his intention to pursue a seventh term in office, potentially extending his reign to nearly five decades in the East African nation. At 80, Museveni continues to confront calls for his retirement, as critics argue that the political landscape has shifted towards autocracy with virtually no challenge, even within his own National Resistance Movement party.

    Arriving at his party’s offices in the capital city of Kampala to collect his nomination papers, Museveni was met with enthusiastic support from a large crowd. Addressing his supporters, he pledged to focus on eradicating corruption should he secure another term. “This time, our aim is to completely eliminate corruption,” he declared.

    Museveni first ascended to power as a rebel leader in 1986 and has since won six presidential elections, though these have been overshadowed by allegations of electoral malpractice and violence. His major contender in the previous election, the prominent artist dubbed Bobi Wine, is set to challenge him again in the January polls. Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has faced significant adversity, with many of his allies imprisoned or in hiding in response to government crackdowns on the opposition.

    Museveni has often dismissed Bobi Wine, labeling him an “agent of foreign interests” and doubting his capability to lead. Despite frequent arrests and various charges, Bobi Wine has not been found guilty and remains committed to a peaceful campaign. Interestingly, Museveni, once a critic of prolonged rule by African leaders, now benefits from laws amended to remove the age limit on the presidency, paving the way for potential life leadership.

    Concerns about dynastic succession arise as Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who serves as the army chief, expresses interest in following in his father’s political footsteps. This has fueled speculation about the establishment of an enduring family dynasty.

    Amidst this political climate, longstanding opposition figure Kizza Besigye remains incarcerated on charges of treason, which his legal team argues are politically motivated. Besigye, a former high-ranking military officer and past president of the Forum for Democratic Change (once a formidable opposition party), has been a persistent critic of Museveni’s rule.

    Uganda’s political history remains marred by a lack of peaceful transitions of power since its independence from Britain in 1962. Museveni’s extended tenure adds another chapter to this tumultuous legacy.