Africa’s Political Grandpa Is Not Retiring Anytime Soon

40 years in power is just not quite enough.

Uganda’s ruling party has confirmed that President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, age 80, plans to run for president again in 2026.

Yes, again. As in for the seventh time. That is one more than the number of cows given in a serious Dinka dowry, and two more than the number of times a boda boda rider in Nairobi gets stopped by traffic police before lunch.

For those doing the math (or avoiding it), Museveni has been president since 1986. That is when cassette tapes were still a thing, and South Sudan was not even a country yet. It was still a stubborn headache in Sudan’s living room.

Now, nearly 40 years later, Museveni seems to have decided that ruling Uganda is his lifelong internship.

He is already one of Africa’s longest serving leaders, sitting comfortably at the top like a village chief who refuses to hand over the drumstick at a goat feast.

And come 2026, if all goes according to his party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), he will extend his time in State House to at least 45 years.

In political years, that is basically eternity. That is more years in power than the average South Sudanese citizen has had peace in their lifetime.

Just like a local landlord who keeps increasing rent while fixing nothing, Museveni’s time in office has raised questions.

Is this a democracy, or has Uganda entered the “forever presidency” era?

The NRM, however, insists he is the only one who can lead. Apparently, in a country of 45 million people, there is just one man with the Wi-Fi password to state leadership.

For Perspective:

Fact	Detail
Museveni became president	1986 – when Kenya’s Moi was still strong like ng’ombe
South Sudan independence	2011 – Museveni had already ruled 25 years
Average age in Uganda	About 17 years old
Museveni’s age	80 years old
2026 would mark	40+ years in power
Number of Museveni’s elections	6 already, going for 7

Museveni’s political journey is like a cow with nine lives. No matter how many times you think it will finally rest, it just gets up again. Of course, age is no barrier when power tastes sweeter than South Sudanese tamia at the market on a Friday. In Kenya, retired presidents plant trees, write books, or mysteriously vanish into “private life.” In Uganda it is all about  “private power,” delivered publicly, one decade at a time. Ugandans are now bracing for another long campaign season. Back in South Sudan, people are watching with a mix of awe. If you thought our politicians like long speeches, try sitting through Museveni’s 3 hour address where he quotes the Bible, talks about cows and still forgets the point. Same Face. Same Party. Just More Wrinkles.