At 81 years, Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is now Africa’s fourth longest-serving leader.
The upcoming election will see Museveni face off against his main rival, 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician, Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.
Bobi Wine, a former musician who rose to political prominence in 2017, has garnered significant support from Uganda’s youth, largely due to his advocacy for political change and social justice.
The singer-turned-politician has repeatedly claimed that the 2021 election, which Museveni won, was marred by election irregularities such as ballot-stuffing, voter intimidation, bribery, and other forms of electoral manipulation.
On the other hand, officials from Museveni’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party have dismissed these allegations, insisting that Museveni’s victory in 2021 was legitimate and reflected the genuine support of Ugandans across the country.
In addition to Museveni and Wine, six other candidates from smaller political parties are expected to contest the presidential race. Ugandans will also vote for members of parliament during the same election.
President Museveni, a former rebel leader, has been credited for stabilizing Uganda and fostering economic growth over the years.
His government has made strides in different areas including infrastructure development.
Looking ahead, the Museveni government is pinning hopes on Uganda’s emerging oil industry.
The country is set to begin crude oil exports next year, with fields operated by France’s TotalEnergies and China’s CNOOC.
The government anticipates that this development will boost economic growth, with the potential to push the country’s economic expansion into double digits.
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