Museveni's Bid for Extended Rule: Uganda's 80-Year-Old President Prepares for 2024 Election

Uganda's long-serving leader, Yoweri Museveni, has officially been named as the candidate for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for January. At 80 years old, Museveni has been in power since 1986, and his acceptance speech echoed his commitment to transforming Uganda into a "high middle income country." His administration has faced criticism for its authoritarian tendencies, exemplified by accusations of election rigging and the suppression of opposition voices. Notably, pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine is expected to challenge Museveni, amidst concerns of increasing state repression against dissenters. Museveni, in his speech, emphasized the need for Uganda to embrace modernization and progress, drawing parallels with other nations that have succeeded despite limited resources. He aims for Uganda to take a "qualitative leap" in its development trajectory, reaffirming his intent to continue leading the country.

In this context, observers are keenly watching how the political landscape unfolds as the election approaches, particularly as the opposition grapples with challenges to its survival and influence within the country.