Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Uganda's Election: Museveni Seeks Seventh Term Amid Repression
Uganda is having a big vote to choose its president.
The current leader, Mr. Museveni, who has been in charge for a very long time, is trying to win again.
His main opponent is a younger man named Bobi Wine, who is popular with young people.
The vote is important because it might show who could lead Uganda in the future.
There have been some problems with violence and arguments during the campaign.
Many people are watching to see if Mr. Museveni will win again and what that means for the country.
Some people think his son might take over after him, but not everyone agrees with that.
The government has also told some groups that help protect people's rights to stop working, which has made the situation even more tense.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni seeks a seventh term in office in the presidential election on January 15, 2024.
Main challenger Bobi Wine, popular with young voters, focuses on political freedoms, corruption, and youth employment.
Election campaign marred by violence, with security forces using teargas, live bullets, and arbitrary detentions at opposition events.
Uganda's government orders two local rights groups, Chapter Four Uganda and HRNJ-U, to halt operations days before the election.
The UN Human Rights Office reports an atmosphere of repression and intimidation, with widespread human rights violations ahead of the vote.
- Who
- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his main challenger Bobi Wine, along with rights groups and the UN Human Rights Office
- What
- Presidential and parliamentary elections in Uganda, marked by repression and intimidation
- When
- January 15, 2024
- Where
- Uganda
- Why
- To determine the next president and parliamentary representatives, with implications for the country's political future and succession, amid widespread human rights violations
Government and Supporters
Opposition and Rights Groups
Election Legitimacy
Government and Supporters
The government defends the election process and security measures, stating they are necessary to maintain law and order.
Opposition and Rights Groups
Opposition groups and rights organizations argue that the election is taking place in an atmosphere of repression and intimidation, with widespread human rights violations.
Use of Force
Government and Supporters
The government justifies the use of live ammunition and detentions as a response to lawless conduct by opposition supporters.
Opposition and Rights Groups
Rights groups and the UN Human Rights Office condemn the use of live ammunition, arbitrary detentions, and abductions as violations of human rights.
Role of Rights Groups
Government and Supporters
The government accuses rights groups of engaging in activities prejudicial to national security and orders them to halt operations.
Opposition and Rights Groups
Rights groups deny these accusations and continue to denounce rights violations, including the detention and torture of opposition supporters and journalists.
- Incumbent President
- Yoweri Museveni
- Main Challenger
- Bobi Wine
- Election Date
- January 15, 2024
- Museveni's Age
- 81
- Bobi Wine's Age
- 43
- Key Issues
- Political freedoms, corruption, youth employment, oil production
- Foreign Relations
- Strategic ally of Western countries, economic ties with China, Russia, UAE
- Succession Speculation
- Museveni's son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, seen as potential successor
- Rights Groups Affected
- Chapter Four Uganda, Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U)
- UN Report Findings
- Use of live ammunition, arbitrary detentions, and abductions of opposition supporters
Sources
Veteran Ugandan leader eyes new term in election amid succession talk
Explainer-What is at stake in Uganda’s presidential election?
Pop star Bobi Wine sets sights on Ugandan presidency despite campaign violence
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni seeks seventh term after four decades in power