Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was born on August 15, 1944, in Ntungamo District, southwestern Uganda.

He grew up herding cattle before attending Mbarara High School and later Ntare School, where his leadership qualities began to emerge.

Museveni pursued political science and economics at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, where he became deeply involved in African liberation movements during the 1960s.

Museveni’s political and military journey began with his opposition to Idi Amin’s dictatorship.

After Amin’s fall in 1979, Museveni briefly served in transitional governments before leading the National Resistance Army (NRA) in a five-year guerrilla war against Milton Obote’s regime.

In 1986, his forces captured Kampala, marking the beginning of Museveni’s presidency.

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Political Longevity and Leadership Style

Since taking power, Museveni has transformed Uganda’s political landscape through stability and economic reforms.

His early years were praised for restoring order and encouraging investment.

However, his rule has increasingly drawn criticism over alleged authoritarian tendencies, suppression of dissent, and constitutional amendments that scrapped presidential term and age limits, allowing him to extend his decades-long rule.

Regional Influence and Foreign Policy

Museveni has positioned Uganda as a key player in East African and African Union affairs.

His government has played active roles in regional peacekeeping missions, particularly in Somalia under the African Union Mission (AMISOM), and has maintained complex relationships with neighboring countries like Rwanda and South Sudan.

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Legacy and Controversy

Museveni’s leadership legacy remains polarizing.

Supporters hail him as a revolutionary who delivered peace and growth after years of turmoil, while critics label him a symbol of entrenched power.

After nearly four decades in power, Museveni continues to shape Uganda’s political destiny, standing as both a liberation hero and a reflection of Africa’s enduring struggle with democratic transition.

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An Aerial View of Kampala City in Uganda. PHOTO/ GoU.