Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will get an opportunity to extend his rule in Uganda after the long-serving head of state was nominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement party to be its candidate in next year’s election.
Last week, Museveni collected papers as he sought nomination as the ruling party’s candidate with no one else showing up to vie against him in the party.
In addition to being the party’s presidential candidate, Museveni was also nominated as the party chairman on Tuesday.
Museveni expressed his delight at his nomination and said details relating to his candidature will be released in the near future.
“I thank the NRM party that has this morning nominated me as its national chairman and presidential flag-bearer for the 2021 elections. In due course, we shall unveil our detailed plan and message/manifesto. I thank you,” Museveni tweeted.
Some of Museveni’s focus points are expected to be tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, deepening modernisation and strengthening regional integration and Export promotion.
The 75-year-old has won five presidential elections since he rose to power in 1986. About three years ago, the Ugandan parliament controversially removed an age cap from the constitution, allowing him to seek another term.
Another win win would potentially extend his rule to four decades. Only Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang and Cameroon’s Paul Biya have ruled longer in Africa than Museveni.
Museveni is likely to come up against 38-year-old pop star and Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulani, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in the highly anticipated vote.
Museveni has been criticised for refusing to leave office, struggling to end the scourge of corruption and an autocratic leadership.
Uganda’s election, which is usually held in February, faces uncertainty under the current climate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In May, Museveni hinted at a possible postponement if the coronavirus were to persist.
