YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI

YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI

 

   When Idi Amin came to power in Uganda in 1971, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni founded the Front for National Salvation, which helped overthrow Amin in 1979. After he lost an election to be widely considered rigged, in January 1986, Museveni declared himself president of Uganda. He was elected to the post in 1996, 2001 and 2006, making notable economic and social improvements to Uganda along the way.   Yoweri Museveni has ruled the East African nation for 26 years, more than half of its post-colonial history. A charismatic former rebel commander, Museveni seized power in 1986, decrying other African leaders who overstayed their welcome. Museveni points to many achievements in a country with a troubled past. But today, more and more Ugandans say their president has grown heavy-handed as he clings to power. Despite this criticism, Museveni has dug in his heels. Just before he won a fourth five-year term last year, Museveni changed the constitution to loosen term limits. In an interview with Al-Jazeera at the time, Museveni was characteristically defiant, deflecting arguments that he had been in power too long.   Museveni sees himself as an aging revolutionary, a historic figure who fought in the bush and overthrew dark forces, and whose mission to transform Uganda is not finished, despite the fact he's been around for a quarter-century and is pushing 70. No one denies Museveni's accomplishments. Under his long rule, security has improved, the army is more disciplined, and the economy has gained traction. Today, more children go to school, the fight against HIV/AIDS has made progress, and Washington considers him a key regional partner in fighting terrorists in Somalia. "Uganda has made great strides," says Ugandan political scientist Frederick Golooba. "But, having said that, I think that we have reached a point where Uganda no longer needs Museveni. Most people would say that."  Some of the reasons I propose that cause him to stay in power for long are similar to many other African leaders.The sacrifice that he made to gain power are great and to me it seems that Museveni feels like Uganda owes him a debt of sorts,for all that he has done for the country hence his extended reign in power.