Uganda's Younger Generation Reacts to Museveni's Latest Electoral Triumph
This month, Uganda's electoral commission confirmed President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the 2026 general election, securing his seventh term in office. The announcement, met with little surprise among the nation's youth, has sparked a wave of disillusionment and concern for the future. With individuals under 35 constituting over three-quarters of the population, making Uganda the second youngest country globally, the outcome has intensified debates about stagnation and employment prospects.
Youth Discontent and Opposition Perspectives
For many young Ugandans, Museveni's victory, achieved with approximately 70% of the vote, dashed hopes inspired by opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who garnered around 25%. Sarah Namubiru, a 21-year-old university student aspiring to be a teacher, voiced her frustration, citing low salaries in the profession as a reason she did not support Museveni. She expressed disappointment, feeling her vote was disregarded and worrying about job prospects in a system where connections seem essential.
Norman Turyatemba, a 32-year-old leader at the Forum for Democratic Change, echoed these sentiments, criticising the political setup as favouring Museveni and suppressing youthful voices. He raised concerns about succession plans, noting Museveni's son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is being groomed as a potential heir, which could perpetuate family rule. Turyatemba highlighted issues like crippling taxes and soaring unemployment, painting a bleak picture for Uganda's next generation.
Election Controversies and Broader Implications
The election process was marred by allegations of fraud and a nationwide internet shutdown in the days leading up to the poll. In his victory speech, Museveni accused the opposition of terrorism, while Bobi Wine went into hiding following a police raid on his residence. Dr Kizza Besigye, another prominent opposition figure, remains detained in Kampala on treason charges, with supporters reporting his declining health.
Dr Shamim Nambassa, a 26-year-old leader in Bobi Wine's National Unity Platform, denounced Museveni's win as stolen, pointing to a lack of national celebration and silence instead. She emphasised desires for improved healthcare, job opportunities for educated youth, and an end to corruption and poverty, predicting misery over the next five years under the current administration.
Support for Museveni and Calls for Stability
Despite widespread criticism, some young Ugandans back Museveni for perceived stability. Grace Talindeka, a 26-year-old businessperson, cited a need for predictability, preferring Museveni's rule over potential chaos seen in neighbouring countries like Kenya. She urged the opposition to present concrete solutions rather than mobilising anger.
Guma Twinamasiko, a youth leader in Museveni's National Resistance Movement, defended the party's vision, noting infrastructure improvements and support programmes. He cautioned against gambling with leadership, arguing that if the current system is effective, there is no reason to change it.
Daily Struggles and Political Disengagement
Ahmed Ssentongo, a 25-year-old engineering graduate who rides a motorcycle taxi to make ends meet, shared his experiences of arrest for wearing red, the colour associated with Bobi Wine's party. He called for comprehensive change, expressing a desire for better job opportunities and a brighter future for his child, amid rising living costs.
John Katumba, the youngest presidential candidate in the 2021 election, warned that repeated electoral disappointments and crackdowns on dissent, including teargas and arrests, are pushing young people towards political disengagement. He noted that while faith in the ballot has waned, acceptance of the system has not followed, leaving many in a state of frustrated silence.
Overall, the election result has forced a reassessment of political change in Uganda, with youth grappling with unemployment, discrimination, and a sense that formal politics may no longer offer solutions to their pressing everyday concerns.
