Parliament Debates Museveni’s Fitness for Office as He Turned 80

Uganda finds itself at a crossroads as President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country for nearly four decades, recently marked his 80th birthday. Celebrations for this milestone event spread across the nation, with the president pledging to introduce free education in all government primary and secondary schools. However, amid the festivities, a heated debate erupted in Uganda’s Parliament regarding Museveni’s ability to continue governing at his advanced age.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda led the charge, raising concerns over Museveni’s mental and physical fitness. Nganda suggested that the president undergo periodic mental and physical tests to ensure his ability to lead. Citing international examples, particularly the recent debate over U.S. President Joe Biden’s fitness for a second term at age 79, Nganda argued that Uganda should follow similar practices and subject Museveni to regular health assessments. “When you have an 80-year-old president who keeps making erratic decisions,” Nganda remarked, “it is essential to consider regular health checks, as required by the Constitution.”

Uganda’s Constitution previously stipulated an age limit of 75 for presidential candidates, a provision removed in 2017 through a controversial amendment. At the time, Museveni was 73 years old. Nganda highlighted this fact, recalling that even Museveni himself had once stated that individuals over 75 were too old to lead. The opposition MP also pointed to governance challenges, such as the president’s failure to appoint a new governor for the central bank, as evidence of his diminishing capacity.

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Museveni’s allies quickly dismissed these concerns. Chris Baryomunsi, the Ugandan Minister of Information, argued that Museveni might be chronologically 80, but he remains biologically young and vigorous. Drawing from his medical background, Baryomunsi explained that age could be measured in two ways: chronological (based on years) and physiological (based on health and fitness). According to him, Museveni is an example of someone who, despite his chronological age, remains biologically capable.

Another staunch defender, MP John Baptist Nambeshe, rejected the notion that age alone could determine leadership capability. “Our president has not shown any signs of failing in his duties,” Nambeshe declared, stating that the Ugandan electorate should decide whether or not an individual is capable of leading the country, regardless of age. He dismissed Nganda’s proposal as an unnecessary attack on the elderly.

To further rebuff opposition claims, Deputy Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda went so far as to challenge Nganda to a fitness competition with the octogenarian president. The Museveni government accused the opposition of using the president’s age for political propaganda, particularly after their failed attempts to stop the removal of the age limit from the Constitution in 2017.

Beyond the immediate debate over Museveni’s health, there are growing concerns over potential dynastic succession in Uganda. Opposition MPs have pointed to the growing influence of Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has steadily risen through the military ranks to become the country’s Army Chief. Comparisons have been drawn to Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, whose wife Grace Mugabe exerted increasing influence as the former president aged. Nganda warned that the prominence of Kainerugaba could signal a move toward hereditary rule.

For many in the opposition, the larger issue is not merely Museveni’s age but the lack of a clear transition plan after nearly four decades of his rule. With no significant moves toward a power transition, the fear is that Uganda could face a dynastic succession that undermines democratic principles.

The debate over Museveni’s fitness for office is emblematic of the broader concerns surrounding Uganda’s political future. While Museveni continues to enjoy support from segments of the population and within his government, there is growing frustration among some lawmakers and citizens. The opposition and segments of civil society have voiced their concerns about the need for new leadership to address Uganda’s evolving challenges.

Despite these calls for change, the Museveni administration shows no signs of relinquishing power. The president, who has ruled since 1986, has repeatedly maintained his commitment to governance. Yet, the question remains: How much longer can Museveni continue to steer the country, and what will Uganda’s future look like under a leader whose age and extended rule are becoming increasingly scrutinized?

As Uganda navigates this critical period, the calls for a leadership transition grow louder. Whether these calls will lead to tangible change or be quelled by the ruling party remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Museveni’s 80th birthday has sparked a critical debate about the country’s political trajectory and the pressing need for democratic reforms.