“This is not an isolated case. It points to a continental challenge where leadership renewal is increasingly undermined by leaders clinging to power through constitutional changes and institutional control,” Mavie explained.

Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, confirmed his candidacy under the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Over nearly four decades in office, he has overseen constitutional amendments to remove both term and age limits, clearing the way for continued re-election.

His extended tenure has drawn criticism from human rights organisations, who accuse him of relying on security forces and patronage to retain power. Museveni has dismissed these accusations.

Museveni’s main challenger is expected to be opposition leader Bobi Wine, a musician-turned-politician with a strong following among the youth. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has already declared his intention to run in the 2026 polls and has frequently faced arrest and harassment in the lead-up to previous elections.

According to Mavie, Museveni’s political longevity highlights the fragility of democratic institutions in several African nations. “We’re seeing democracies being weakened not by military coups, but through the slow erosion of checks and balances by incumbents who manipulate the system in their favour,” he said.

--ChannelAfrica--