Yoweri Museveni facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency Yoweri Museveni
Museveni in 2015
9th President of Uganda
Incumbent
Assumed office 29 January 1986 Acting: 26–29 January 1986
Prime Minister	See list Samson Kisekka George Cosmas Adyebo Kintu Musoke Apollo Nsibambi Amama Mbabazi Ruhakana Rugunda Robinah Nabbanja
Vice President	Samson Kisekka Specioza Kazibwe Gilbert Bukenya Edward Ssekandi Jessica Alupo Christian Ruchamuzi Kairahasi
Preceded by	Tito Okello
Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement
Incumbent
Assumed office 16 January 2024
Preceded by	Ilham Aliyev
Personal details
Born	Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa (1944-09-15) 15 September 1944 (age 80) Ntungamo, Protectorate of Uganda
Political party	National Resistance Movement
Other political affiliations	Uganda Patriotic Movement
Spouse	Janet Museveni ​ (m. 1973)​
Children	4, including Muhoozi
Parent	Amos Kaguta (father) Esteri Kokundeka Nganzi (mother)
Education	University of Dar es Salaam
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	Uganda
Branch/service	Front for National Salvation Popular Resistance Army National Resistance Army
Years of service	1971–1986
Rank	General
Battles/wars	1972 invasion of Uganda Uganda–Tanzania War Ugandan Bush War

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa (born 15 September 1944) is a Ugandan politician and former military officer. He has been the ninth and current president of Uganda since 1986. As of 2024, he is one of the longest-serving non-royal national leaders in the world.

Museveni was born in Ntungamo, Uganda. He studied political science at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. In the 1970s, he was involved in efforts to overthrow the government of President Idi Amin. He fought alongside Tanzanian forces in the Uganda–Tanzania War, which led to Amin's downfall.

After a disputed election in 1980, Museveni started a rebellion known as the Ugandan Bush War. His group, the National Resistance Movement, took control in January 1986. Museveni then became president. During his time as president, Uganda has seen some economic growth. He has also made changes to the country's constitution.

Early Life and Education

Yoweri Museveni was born on 15 September 1944. His parents were Amos Kaguta and Esteri Kokundeka Nganzi. His father was a cattle keeper. Museveni is from the Hima ethnic group.

His family later moved to Ntungamo, which was then part of the British Protectorate of Uganda. Museveni went to Kyamate Elementary School. He also attended Mbarara High School and Ntare School for his secondary education.

For his college studies, he went to the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He studied economics and political science there. The university was a place where students discussed big ideas about Africa's future and fairness. While at university, he started a student group called the University Students' African Revolutionary Front. He also led a student group to Portuguese Mozambique for military training.

Political Journey

Fighting to Overthrow Idi Amin

In September 1972, groups opposing President Idi Amin tried to invade Uganda from Tanzania. This attempt failed. In 1973, Museveni formed his own group, the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA). He married Janet Kainembabazi in August of that year.

In 1978, Ugandan troops invaded Tanzania. This started the Uganda–Tanzania War. Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere ordered his army to fight back. He also gathered Ugandan groups who opposed Amin. Museveni and his FRONASA troops joined the Tanzanian army. They helped in the fight to remove Amin from power.

Museveni was part of the Moshi Conference. This meeting brought together different groups against Amin. They formed the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF).

The Ugandan Bush War

After Amin was overthrown, there was a new election in 1980. Milton Obote became president again. Museveni believed the election was unfair. He returned to Uganda with his supporters. They formed the Popular Resistance Army (PRA).

They planned a rebellion against Obote's government. The fight began on 6 February 1981. The PRA later joined with another group to create the National Resistance Army (NRA). Its political part was the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The NRA/NRM created a "Ten-point Programme." This plan outlined their goals for a future government. It included ideas like democracy, security, and building a strong economy.

Peace Talks and the Nairobi Agreement

In 1985, Obote's government was overthrown by his army commander, Tito Okello. Museveni and the NRM/NRA were not happy about this. They felt their fight had been "hijacked."

However, the NRM/NRA agreed to peace talks in Nairobi, Kenya. These talks lasted for several months. They led to an agreement for a ceasefire and combining the armies. But these conditions were never fully met.

Taking Control of Kampala

While peace talks were happening, Museveni was also working to prevent other forces from joining the fight. On 20 January 1986, troops loyal to Amin entered Uganda.

By 22 January, government soldiers in Kampala began to leave their posts. The rebels gained ground quickly.

Museveni was sworn in as president on 29 January 1986. He spoke to thousands of people outside the Ugandan parliament. He promised a return to democracy. He said, "The people of Africa, the people of Uganda, are entitled to a democratic government."

Museveni's Presidency

First Years in Power: 1986–1996

Museveni meeting with President Ronald Reagan at the White House in October 1987

Uganda started an economic recovery program in 1987. The goal was to help the economy grow and create jobs. It also aimed to encourage trade and investment.

Human Rights and Security

The NRM government promised to bring security and respect for human rights. Museveni had strong support from the southern parts of Uganda. He also gained support from the Karamojong people in the northeast.

However, the NRM faced several rebellions. Some rebel groups fought for years. The Lord's Resistance Army became a major challenge in the north.

Early on, the NRA gained a good reputation for treating civilians well. But later, some soldiers were accused of misbehaving. Reports from human rights groups also documented violations by NRA troops.

First Elected Term (1996–2001)

Elections and Education

The first elections under Museveni's government were held on 9 May 1996. Museveni won with 75.5 percent of the votes. He was sworn in as president for the second time on 12 May 1996.

In 1997, he started free primary education for children.

The next elections were in 2001. Museveni won again with 69 percent of the vote. His main opponent was Kizza Besigye, who had been a close friend and his doctor during the Bush War. Besigye challenged the results in court. The court found some problems but decided they did not change the overall result.

International Recognition

Museveni was chosen to lead the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1991 and 1992.

One of his biggest achievements was Uganda's successful fight against AIDS. In the 1980s, Uganda had very high rates of HIV infection. Now, Uganda's rates are much lower. This is seen as a global success story.

Uganda also received debt relief in 1998. This helped the country by reducing its international debt. Museveni was also praised for helping women in the country. He had a female vice-president and encouraged women to go to college.

The United States saw Museveni as an important partner. Especially in the fight against terrorism.

Regional Conflicts

After the Rwandan genocide in 1994, Rwanda felt threatened by former soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Rwanda, with Museveni's help, supported rebels to overthrow the leader of the DRC in the First Congo War.

In 1998, Rwanda and Uganda invaded the DRC again. This was during the Second Congo War. Uganda said it intervened to stop violence and protect its borders. However, some reports suggested that Ugandan troops were involved in taking minerals and timber from the DRC.

In 2005, an international court ruled that Uganda should pay money to the DRC for human rights issues during the war.

Second Term (2001–2006)

2001 Elections and Constitutional Changes

Museveni won the 2001 presidential elections. His former friend, Kizza Besigye, was his main challenger. There were some arguments and small incidents of violence after the results were announced.

After these elections, some people close to Museveni began a campaign to change the constitution. The 1995 constitution limited the president to two terms. This change would allow Museveni to run for election again in 2006.

Many people, both in Uganda and internationally, criticized these efforts. They worried about the future of democracy in Uganda. Some countries even reduced their financial aid to Uganda. Museveni said that these countries were trying to control Uganda's politics.

In July 2005, a national vote removed the ban on political parties. Before this, candidates had to run as individuals, not as members of a party. This change was seen by many as a way to prepare for Museveni to run for a third term.

Death of John Garang

On 30 July 2005, John Garang, the vice-president of Sudan, died in a helicopter crash in Uganda. He was flying back from talks in Uganda.

There was much talk about what caused the crash. Museveni warned media outlets not to publish "conspiracy theories" about Garang's death. He said it was a threat to national security.

February 2006 Elections

On 17 November 2005, Museveni was chosen as his party's candidate for the February 2006 elections. His decision to run for a third term caused criticism. He had said in 2001 that it would be his last time running.

The 2006 elections were Uganda's first multi-party elections in 25 years. Museveni won with 59 percent of the vote. Besigye, his opponent, claimed there was fraud. International observers noted some problems with the election. The Supreme Court of Uganda also said there were issues but upheld the results.

Third Term (2006–2011)

In 2007, Museveni sent Ugandan troops to help with peacekeeping in Somalia. He also met with investors to promote Uganda's call center industry. This aimed to create more jobs.

September 2009 Riots

In September 2009, Museveni did not allow the Buganda King, Muwenda Mutebi, to visit certain areas. This led to riots where many people were killed. More people died in protests in April 2011.

Fourth Term (2011–2016)

Vladimir Putin and Yoweri Museveni in 2012

Museveni was reelected on 20 February 2011 with 68 percent of the vote. The election results were questioned by the European Union and the opposition. They said there were problems with how the election was run.

In 2011, the cost of living increased a lot. Opposition leader Kizza Besigye led "Walk to Work" protests against this. He was arrested, which led to more protests. The government's response to these protests was criticized by other countries.

Museveni is greeted by US President Barack Obama in August 2014

There have also been concerns about freedom of the press. In 2013, two newspapers were shut down by the government. This happened after they published claims about a plot against government officials.

Museveni has also spoken about international conflicts. He criticized the US involvement in the Libyan Civil War. He believes that African countries should find "African solutions for African problems."

Fifth Term (2016–2021)

2016 Election

Museveni was reelected on 18 February 2016 with 61 percent of the vote. His opponent, Kizza Besigye, claimed there was fraud and violence. Opposition candidates said the elections were unfair. They mentioned widespread fraud and arrests of opposition politicians.

2018 Age Limit Bill

Yoweri Museveni speaking at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London, October 2018

On 27 December 2017, Museveni signed a bill that removed the age limit for the president. Before this, people over 75 could not run for the highest office. This change means Museveni can run for president again. The bill also extended the term for members of parliament from five to seven years.

Many people protested against this bill. Some members of parliament returned money they said was given to them to support the bill. Law groups and opposition members challenged the bill in court. They argued that the process was against the constitution.

A survey found that most Ugandans were against removing the age limit. Human rights lawyers said that removing this limit would make the government less democratic.

Sixth Term (2021–Present)

Museveni and US President Joe Biden at the United States–Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. in December 2022

On 16 January 2021, Museveni won reelection for a sixth term with 58.6% of the vote. His main opponent, Bobi Wine, and other opposition leaders did not accept the results. They claimed the election was unfair. During the campaign, Museveni said Wine's campaign was funded by foreigners.

Independent groups and experts said the elections were not completely fair. There were reports of issues and a nationwide internet shutdown. Bobi Wine was placed under house arrest but later released.

In July 2022, Museveni hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Museveni stated, "We don't believe in being enemies of somebody's enemy."

In October 2022, Museveni apologized to Kenya. This was after his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, made a comment on social media about invading Kenya.

In July 2023, Museveni met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Museveni said that only "just wars" are right, like anti-colonial wars. He added that "Wars of hegemony will fail" and that "Dialogue is the correct way."

After the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, Museveni expressed concern. He called for talks and a two-state solution for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

Personal Life

Museveni is an Anglican and a member of the Church of Uganda.

He is married to Janet Kataaha Museveni. They have four children:

• gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba – born in 1974, a general in the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).
• Natasha Karugire – born in 1976, a fashion designer and consultant.
• Patience Rwabwogo – born in 1978, a pastor.
• Diana Kamuntu – born in 1980.

Honours and Awards

Foreign Honours

•  Cuba:
  • Order of Playa Giron (1988)
•  Equatorial Guinea
  • Grand Collar of the Order of Independence (2017)
•  Guinea
  • Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (2018)
•  Kenya
  • Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya
•  Serbia
  • Order of the Republic of Serbia, Second Class
•  South Africa
  • Grand Cross of the Order of Good Hope
  • Member of Order of South Africa (2023)

Honorary Degrees

See Also

• Political parties of Uganda
• Politics of Uganda
• Tokyo International Conference on African Development
• History of Uganda (1979–present)
• Uganda Salvation Front
• Henry Tumukunde