Yoweri Museveni
Yoweri Museveni is the president of Uganda, a position he has held since January 1986, making him one of Africa's longest-serving heads of state. He is a Ugandan politician and former military leader who came to power through armed struggle as head of the National Resistance Movement and its armed wing, the National Resistance Army. Museveni has won multiple presidential elections, though these have been increasingly contested by opposition figures and international observers who have raised concerns about electoral irregularities and restrictions on political freedoms. His tenure has been marked by economic liberalisation and relative stability in Uganda, alongside criticism over human rights issues, constitutional amendments that removed presidential age limits, and the suppression of political opposition. He has played a significant role in regional security, particularly in East Africa, and Uganda has contributed troops to African Union peacekeeping missions, notably in Somalia. Museveni's government has faced growing domestic opposition, including from younger politicians such as Bobi Wine and the National Unity Platform. His son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has risen to senior military positions, fuelling speculation about succession planning. Museveni's political dominance and longevity in office have made him a central figure in Ugandan politics and a recurring subject in coverage of East African governance and security. Before seizing power, Museveni was involved in the guerrilla war that ousted Idi Amin and later led a five-year bush war against the government of Milton Obote.
Yoweri Museveni Updates
Uganda’s new foreign financing law further narrows the opposition’s chances
22nd May 2026 The law criminalising foreign political funding would only be justifiable if the country had a stronger democratic record. Uganda’s President... →
Uganda's president signs contentious law meant to curb foreign influence
By: Reuters 18th May 2026 Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni signed into law a contentious measure to curb foreign influence after parliament scaled back provisions that had... →
Uganda's President Museveni sworn in for seventh term
By: Reuters 12th May 2026 Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in on Tuesday for a seventh term, extending his rule in the east African country into a fifth decade.... →
Ugandan lawmakers pass scaled-back sovereignty law after central bank warning
By: Reuters 6th May 2026 Uganda's parliament passed legislation to curb alleged foreign influence after scaling back proposed restrictions on funding from abroad that the... →
East African Community’s expansion has triggered financial troubles: why solutions come with risks
23rd April 2026 The East African Community is one of Africa’s oldest regional economic organisations. Its birth in 1967 was the culmination of decades of economic... →
Uganda minister condemns military raid on opposition leader's home
By: Reuters 9th February 2026 Uganda's Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi condemned a military raid on opposition leader Bobi Wine's home last month, telling Reuters that the... →
Did Uganda’s internet shutdowns during elections backfire?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 27th January 2026 The state cited the need to prevent disinformation – but the ban may have increased citizens’ mistrust instead. As Uganda emerges from an internet... →
Daily Podcast – January 23, 2026
By: Halima Frost 23rd January 2026 Making headlines: Supporters gather as Malema awaits sentence in firearm case; Godongwana plays down big tax changes in South Africa Budget; And,... →
Uganda detains 2 000 opposition supporters, kills 30 after disputed election, army chief says
By: Reuters 23rd January 2026 Uganda's military chief said on Friday that authorities had detained 2 000 opposition supporters, killed 30 and were hunting for more following a... →
Uganda police detain opposition lawmaker after at least seven killed
By: Reuters 22nd January 2026 Uganda police said on Thursday they had detained a legislator and senior official of the country's biggest opposition party for his alleged role in... →
