Newslex Point News in Uganda, Uganda news
Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ascended to power on January 29, 1986. He is credited with bringing Uganda to both political and economic stability after years of civil wars in the 1970s and early 80s.[2]
Check also: Russia is happy Uganda’s president, Museveni was re-elected but the USA and EU arent so sure
His strong hold on power for three decades has however painted him as one of Africa’s authoritarian leaders. He just won his fifth term in office against his rival Dr Kizza Besigye.[3]
Here are some facts about Museveni we thought you should know:
Museveni means “Son of a man of the Seventh’
His surname, Museveni means ‘Son of a man of the Seventh’. This name originates from the Seventh Battalion in King’s African Rifles that consisted of Ugandans who fought Britain in the Second World War.[1]
He’s one of the most educated African leaders
Yoweri Museveni holds three Doctorate degrees in Law, two in Literature and one in Theology. He also holds an Honorary Degree from Faith University, Turkey
His only son is a army commander
He is married to Janet Museveni. They are blessed with three daughters and a son. Brigadier Muhoozi Kainerugaba is the eldest child and Commander of the Ugandan Special Forces.[4]
Yoweri Museveni’s quite controversial
In 2014, Yoweri Museveni set a commission of Ugandan scientists to study whether homosexuality is learnt or inborn. He then signed the Anti-homosexuality law that introduced life imprisonment for some homosexual acts. Last year, he caused a stir across Uganda when he said that he is one of the least paid presidents on the continent. He’s also infamously said homosexuals were disgusting.[5]
He came to power through a coup
He became president after a successful coup d’état that overthrew President Milton Obote in 1985. Museveni was involved in the armed rebellion that toppled President Idi Amin in 1979. He is the founder of the National Resistant Movement that was a guerilla militia fighting the Ugandan government in the 80s.[8]
He has so far released two rap songs
He released his first song, ‘You want another Rap’ in run-up to the Presidential election in 2011. Museveni recorded his second rap song titled ‘Yengoma’, late last year. These songs targeted for the youthful vote. He enjoys great relationships with leading local musicians such as, Jose Chameleone and Bebe cool.[7]
He’s the longest-serving president in East and Central Africa
Yoweri Museveni has held power since 1986. He is the longest-serving president in Uganda and Eastern and Central African. He has shown no signs of stepping down in the East African nation where there are no constitutional term limits to the presidency. He once said that he is leave power when East Africa becomes united.[6]
Leader of Opposition was at one time his personal doctor
Kizza Besigye, the leader of Ugandan opposition, was one time Museveni’s doctor in the 70’s and 80’s. This was during the guerilla warfare that Museveni led against the government. Besigye is regarded as the biggest challenger and fiercest political rival to Museveni’s 30-year hold onto power.[9]
Source: AFK Insider
Check Also;
- Uganda Court Confirms Museveni’s Re-election
- How Museveni Was Voted 100 Percent In Certain Parts Of Uganda
- Uganda’s Defeated Opposition Challenges Museveni Win In Court
- Museveni Taken To Court By Ex-MP.
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