The health of President Yoweri Museveni has sparked considerable debate in the Ugandan parliament, drawing significant attention and concern from observers. As the 2026 general elections approach, a faction of opposition Members of Parliament is vocally opposing a proposal that would allow Mr Museveni to seek re-election, citing worries about his age and declining health.
Tensions rose in the national assembly recently when opposition MP Ibrahim Ssemujju raised questions about Museveni’s age and health, prompting a strong reaction from the ruling party members. Many opposition MPs argued that, at 80 years old, Mr Museveni is too old and should not be entrusted with the nation’s leadership beyond 2026. They contend that he should undergo routine mental and physical evaluations, claiming that his erratic policy decisions indicate potential mental health issues.
Ssemujju drew a comparison to U.S. President Joe Biden, citing his age as a reason for not seeking re-election in the upcoming elections. He pointed out that the Democratic Party decided Biden was not the best candidate for them primarily due to his age. Furthermore, Ssemujju highlighted constitutional provisions requiring presidential candidates to demonstrate both mental and physical fitness.
Before the constitutional amendments initiated by Museveni, Uganda had a limit of 75 years for presidential candidates. Museveni’s changes eliminated this age restriction, allowing candidates of any age to run for office. All MPs supporting Museveni rejected calls for him to undergo mental health assessments.
Critics argue that the opposition is exploiting Museveni’s age for political gain, particularly after their unsuccessful attempts to stop the constitutional amendment on age limits. Museveni has been in power since 1986.
A moment of levity occurred when Ssemujju remarked that in Zimbabwe, as the late Robert Mugabe aged, his wife took over key government responsibilities.
During the debate, MPs also voiced concerns about the growing influence of President Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has recently been appointed as the new Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) in Uganda.
