Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has extended his tight hold on power for the seventh time after winning Thursday's election with 72% of the vote. The 81-year-old leader has been in office since 1986 and is now the third-longest serving president in the world, surpassing even the most seasoned leaders.
Museveni's absolute control over Uganda has raised concerns about a dynastic succession plan, as his son General Muhoozi Kainerugaba was appointed army chief in 2024. The move has sparked worries among activists that Museveni is grooming his son to take over power.
Similar scenes are unfolding across Africa, where leaders have perfected unique formulas to consolidate their power. Cameroon's President Paul Biya, who won an eighth term in office last month at the age of 92, has become known as the "absentee president" due to his frequent absence from public view. Despite this, he has managed to maintain a tight grip on power through well-funded information campaigns that divide and rule Cameroon's multiple ethnic groups.
The Republic of Congo's President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who has held office for 40 years, is also set to run again in the March 2026 vote under his Congo Labour Party. His regime has been marred by corruption, with basic infrastructure lacking despite the country's oil wealth. Powerful foreign alliances have helped him consolidate power for decades, including through marriage and close ties with China.
African leaders have used force, divisive tactics, and foreign backing to secure and maintain their power. Elections, meant to be an essential democratic tool, have become a ritual that merely ticks the box for these leaders while disenfranchising citizens who want to express themselves.
Analysts argue that free elections are at stake in Africa, where electoral institutions have been captured by those in power, and opposition leaders often lack integrity. However, citizens cannot afford to stop voting or requesting fair electoral conditions, making resistance through protests, legal mobilization essential.
The article highlights the challenges facing African countries as they navigate the complexities of democratic governance, corruption, and foreign influence. As these leaders continue to cling to power, it remains to be seen whether their hold on authority will eventually falter under the weight of mounting opposition and citizen frustration.
Museveni's absolute control over Uganda has raised concerns about a dynastic succession plan, as his son General Muhoozi Kainerugaba was appointed army chief in 2024. The move has sparked worries among activists that Museveni is grooming his son to take over power.
Similar scenes are unfolding across Africa, where leaders have perfected unique formulas to consolidate their power. Cameroon's President Paul Biya, who won an eighth term in office last month at the age of 92, has become known as the "absentee president" due to his frequent absence from public view. Despite this, he has managed to maintain a tight grip on power through well-funded information campaigns that divide and rule Cameroon's multiple ethnic groups.
The Republic of Congo's President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who has held office for 40 years, is also set to run again in the March 2026 vote under his Congo Labour Party. His regime has been marred by corruption, with basic infrastructure lacking despite the country's oil wealth. Powerful foreign alliances have helped him consolidate power for decades, including through marriage and close ties with China.
African leaders have used force, divisive tactics, and foreign backing to secure and maintain their power. Elections, meant to be an essential democratic tool, have become a ritual that merely ticks the box for these leaders while disenfranchising citizens who want to express themselves.
Analysts argue that free elections are at stake in Africa, where electoral institutions have been captured by those in power, and opposition leaders often lack integrity. However, citizens cannot afford to stop voting or requesting fair electoral conditions, making resistance through protests, legal mobilization essential.
The article highlights the challenges facing African countries as they navigate the complexities of democratic governance, corruption, and foreign influence. As these leaders continue to cling to power, it remains to be seen whether their hold on authority will eventually falter under the weight of mounting opposition and citizen frustration.
. Like, Uganda's Museveni has been in power since 1986 and he's still holding strong at 81 years old - that's like me trying to keep up with my grandkids' gaming skills 
. And it's not just him, other countries are seeing similar patterns too... Cameroon's Biya is basically the "absentee president" 
, but his regime is still crushing its people.
. It's like, we get it, they're trying to hold on to power, but democracy is all about the people, not just them. We need to keep pushing for free elections and fair governance or else... 
But at the same time, 72% of the vote is still a pretty significant margin, so maybe it's not that bad? 
And honestly, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba does seem like he might be quite capable and all... but still, shouldn't there be more checks in place to prevent dynastic power struggles? 
But then again, isn't it a bit concerning that he's more or less absent from public view? 
But at the same time, shouldn't African leaders be able to make their own decisions without all these external factors coming into play? 
I mean, his son General Muhoozi Kainerugaba being appointed army chief is sketchy, and it makes me wonder if they're trying to create some kind of dynasty or something. 
He's 92 years old and still in office, which is wild. I've been reading about how he's created this "absentee president" persona to avoid accountability... it's like he's hiding behind a veil of power and information campaigns. 
Elections are supposed to be about the people's voice, but in this case, it feels like just another tool for them to maintain control.
The article highlights the elephant in the room – corruption and foreign influence are major obstacles to true democracy on the continent...
But seriously though, it's super concerning that these African leaders are using force and foreign backing to stay in power... 
Not impressed, President Museveni. And what's with the dynastic succession plan? Is he trying to outdo his dad or something? 
On a more serious note, it's concerning that African leaders are using their power to maintain control through propaganda and information campaigns. It's like they're trying to gaslight the whole continent 
. It's like these leaders have a master plan to hold onto power for as long as possible, regardless of what the people want. Uganda's Museveni extending his term is just one example of how some leaders are using every trick in the book to stay in charge. 
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. But I do think it's time for Africa to start standing up for itself, to demand real change from these leaders who have been coasting on their positions for far too long. The future of democracy is at stake, and it's time for the people to take back control 
. newsflash: WE'RE NOT ROBOTS, GUYS! WE WANT FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS, NOT SOME WATERED-DOWN PROCESS THAT SERVES YOUR INTERESTS ONLY 
. cameroon's biya is like a ghost, never seen him in public but his info campaigns keep him in power 
. congo's nguesso is another one, 40 yrs old & counting 
. african leaders r good at using force & foreign backing to stay in power 
. and didnt u hear that uganda's son is now army chief?! dynasty 4 life, lol 
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, Museveni's got to let someone else take the reins, maybe his son or not 
, and it's like they're putting their own interests above the people's needs 
... and I hope these leaders take a good hard look at themselves in the mirror because let's be real, 40+ years in power ain't nothing to brag about 
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. It's like, hello, what about the rest of us? We want to have a say in our own country too! 
They're just good at playing the game, that's all. Newsflash: power corrupts, no matter who you are or where you come from. The fact that some of these leaders have been in office for so long is a red flag, but I guess people are too scared to rock the boat. 
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china's got a tight grip on congo and now denis sassou nguesso is basically set for life 
I mean wot's up wit these leaders just cloning themselves into positions of power? 
92 & still holding on tight 