President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, at 80 years old and having held the reins of power since 1986, has once again pledged to tackle corruption if granted another term in office. This familiar promise comes on the heels of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) endorsing his candidacy for the upcoming 2026 general elections, setting the stage for potentially four decades of continuous rule.
The declaration, while perhaps intended to reassure the populace, has instead drawn sharp criticism and mixed reactions from a public increasingly weary of unfulfilled assurances. The fundamental question reverberating through the nation is stark: Why is such a promise being made now, after nearly forty years at the helm, during which widespread corruption has persistently plagued the nation?
A Revolutionary's Long Walk to Power
Museveni's journey to the presidency is indeed one rooted in revolutionary zeal. Born to cattle farmers, he developed a political consciousness early, studying political science and economics at the University of Dar es Salaam. He became chairman of a leftist student group, actively allied with African liberation movements. When the repressive Idi Amin regime seized power in Uganda in 1971, Museveni went into exile in Tanzania, eventually founding the Front for National Salvation, instrumental in Amin's overthrow in 1979.
His early political career was marked by a deep disillusionment with rigged elections and corrupt governance. After the 1980 elections, widely believed to be fraudulent, saw Milton Obote return to power, Museveni and Yusufu Lule formed the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Museveni led the National Resistance Army in a protracted guerrilla war against Obote's regime. The resistance ultimately prevailed, and on January 26, 1986, Yoweri Museveni declared himself president, promising a fundamental shift from the country’s turbulent past.
The Irony of "Overstaying" Power
Upon assuming leadership, Museveni initially brought a period of much-needed political stability, economic revitalization through capitalist reforms, and improvements in infrastructure. He garnered international praise for his efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, making Uganda one of the first African nations to achieve significant success against the epidemic. However, the early promises of democratic transition and accountability soon began to erode.
Ironically, a leader who once criticized African heads of state for "overstaying" their time in power has himself become one of the continent's longest-serving presidents. His continued grip on power has been facilitated by controversial constitutional amendments: the removal of presidential term limits in 2005 and the elimination of the age limit of 75 in 2017. These changes, often met with significant public protest and accusations of repression, cleared the path for his re-election bids in 2011, 2016, and 2021—elections that international observers and the opposition consistently cited as being marred by irregularities, violence, and a lack of level playing field.
The Lingering Shadow of Corruption and Intolerance
Despite the periods of stability and economic growth, corruption has remained a pervasive issue under Museveni's watch, contributing to a significant decline in foreign and domestic support. Critics argue that the very longevity of his rule has created an environment conducive to entrenched patronage networks and systemic graft, making a sudden "tackling" of corruption seem improbable at best.
Furthermore, his critics point to an increasing intolerance for dissenting views. Reports of opposition figures and their supporters facing harassment, arbitrary detention, and even abduction have become disturbingly common. The persistent failure to decisively eliminate the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) within Uganda's borders, despite their terrorizing presence for decades, has also drawn criticism.
As Uganda heads towards the 2026 polls, Museveni's latest anti-corruption pledge rings hollow to many. After 39 years, the question is not merely about a promise, but about the genuine political will and capacity to dismantle deeply rooted systems of corruption that have seemingly flourished under the very administration now vowing to eradicate them. For many Ugandans, true progress on corruption and democratic governance would require a fundamental shift in leadership, rather than yet another iteration of a long-standing pledge from a leader who has demonstrably resisted relinquishing power. The world will be watching to see if this new promise holds any more weight than those of the past.
Disclaimer: This article aims to provide a critical perspective based on the provided information and publicly available reports regarding President Yoweri Museveni's governance. It does not reflect any political endorsement or opposition.
