Yoweri Museveni

Yoweri Museveni
Name	Yoweri Museveni
Caption	Museveni in 2015
Office	President of Uganda
Vicepresident	Edward Ssekandi, Jessica Alupo
Primeminister	Samson Kisekka, George Cosmas Adyebo, Kintu Musoke, Apolo Nsibambi, Amama Mbabazi, Ruhakana Rugunda, Robinah Nabbanja
Term start	29 January 1986
Predecessor	Tito Okello
Birth date	15 September 1944
Birth place	Ntungamo, Uganda Protectorate
Party	National Resistance Movement
Spouse	Janet Museveni
Children	4, including Muhoozi Kainerugaba
Alma mater	University of Dar es Salaam
Allegiance	Uganda
Branch	National Resistance Army, Uganda People's Defence Force
Rank	General
Battles	Uganda–Tanzania War, Ugandan Bush War

Yoweri Museveni is a Ugandan politician and former guerrilla leader who has served as the President of Uganda since seizing power in 1986. His lengthy tenure, one of the longest of any non-royal national leader globally, has been defined by significant economic growth, controversial constitutional changes, and a gradual shift from a reformist to an entrenched authoritarian figure. He came to power after leading the National Resistance Army to victory in the Ugandan Bush War against the governments of Milton Obote and Tito Okello.

Early life and education

He was born in 1944 in Ntungamo, then part of the British Empire's Uganda Protectorate, to cattle farmers. He attended Kyamate Elementary School and Mbarara High School before enrolling at Ntare School. For his higher education, he studied at University College Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, graduating in 1970 with a degree in economics and political science. At university, he was influenced by pan-Africanist thinkers like Julius Nyerere and formed the University Students' African Revolutionary Front, engaging with FRELIMO activists from Mozambique.

Military career and rise to power

After the 1971 coup by Idi Amin, he helped form FRONASA, a rebel group that fought alongside Tanzanian forces during the Uganda–Tanzania War that ousted Amin. He served briefly as a minister in the post-Amin government but soon went into opposition against the second regime of Milton Obote, accusing it of rigging the 1980 Ugandan general election. In 1981, he launched the National Resistance Army, initiating the Ugandan Bush War from his base in the Luwero Triangle. After a protracted guerrilla campaign, his forces captured Kampala in January 1986, overthrowing the military junta of Tito Okello.

Presidency

Upon taking office, he inherited a nation devastated by the rule of Idi Amin and subsequent civil wars. His early administration, operating under a "no-party" system called the Movement system, was praised for restoring stability, curbing HIV/AIDS prevalence, and reviving the economy with support from the International Monetary Fund. However, his rule became increasingly personalized, with the 2005 constitutional amendment abolishing presidential term limits and the 2017 amendment removing the age limit of 75, allowing him to run in the 2021 Ugandan general election and beyond. Elections under his rule, contested by opponents like Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine, have been widely criticized by observers from the European Union and Human Rights Watch.

Foreign policy and international relations

He has positioned Uganda as a key regional power broker and staunch security partner for the Western world. He has contributed Ugandan troops to African Union peacekeeping missions in Somalia under AMISOM and to the United Nations mission in the Central African Republic. His government has been involved in regional conflicts, including the First and Second Congo War, and maintains complex relations with neighbors like Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While a longtime ally of the United States and United Kingdom, his administration's human rights record has drawn sanctions from entities like the World Bank.

Political ideology and domestic policies

He articulates a ideology of "fundamental change" and pan-Africanism, criticizing what he calls the "politics of identity" based on tribe or religion. Economically, he pursued neoliberal reforms advised by the World Bank, leading to growth but also significant inequality. His National Resistance Movement maintains control over all branches of government, and space for dissent has shrunk, with reports of intimidation by security agencies like the Special Forces Command and legislation like the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 drawing international condemnation.

Personal life and legacy

He is married to Janet Museveni, who serves as First Lady and Minister of Education. Their son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is a senior commander in the Uganda People's Defence Force and has sparked speculation about a political dynasty. An avid reader and writer, he authored the book *Sowing the Mustard Seed*. His legacy is deeply polarized; he is credited with ending decades of chaos but criticized for undermining democracy and presiding over systemic corruption, as highlighted in reports by Global Witness.

Category:Presidents of Uganda Category:1944 births Category:Living people