After 39 years in power, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hinted that his next election bid will be his last. In an emotional address that blended authority and nostalgia, the veteran leader urged Ugandans to “come out in large numbers” and support him one last time vying for the presidency.
“I urge all Ugandans to come out in large numbers. This will be my last time vying. Let’s finish this journey together and secure the future of our nation,” Museveni declared, his voice calm but firm, standing before the Ugandan flag and presidential seal.
Museveni first rose to power in 1986, after leading a successful guerrilla war that ended years of political turmoil. Since then, he has become one of Africa’s most enduring and controversial figures, praised by supporters for stabilizing Uganda, but criticized by opponents for overstaying in power and shrinking democratic space.
Across Uganda, reactions to Museveni’s message have been mixed. To some, his leadership symbolizes continuity, peace, and experience. To others, it represents exhaustion, stagnation, and a fading democracy.
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One opposition politician commented, “If this truly is his final term, he must prepare Uganda for a peaceful transition. The future of this nation cannot depend on one man.”
For nearly four decades, Museveni 39 years in power have shaped Uganda’s modern history, from economic recovery and regional influence to an increasingly centralized political system. But his longevity has not been without controversy. Amendments to the constitution in 2005 (removing term limits) and 2017 (lifting the age cap) opened the door for him to contest indefinitely, sparking national debate about the end of the Museveni era.
Analysts suggest that Museveni’s statement about his last time vying could be as strategic as it is emotional. It may serve both as a legacy message to his loyal base and as a subtle way to control the political narrative ahead of the Uganda elections 2026.
Dr. Fredrick Mwesigwa, an independent political analyst, noted: “Museveni understands the power of legacy. His words may be designed to prepare Ugandans for change, while ensuring that transition happens under his guidance.”
As the 2026 elections approach, Uganda stands at a crossroads. For millions of citizens born after 1986, President Museveni is the only leader they have ever known. Whether this declaration marks a genuine turning point or just another political manoeuvre, the country waits, suspended between hope for renewal and the weight of nearly 40 years under one man’s rule.
