We need change, not just as young people but as a country': Uganda's youth on 40 years of Museveni

"When Uganda's electoral commission declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the 2026 general election this month, there was little surprise among the country's younger voters. Those aged under 35 make up more than three-quarters (78%) of Uganda's population the second youngest population in the world and for many, the news of Museveni's victory confirmed what they had expected. For some, it also crushed the fragile hope inspired by the rise of the opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine."

"The results were not a reflection of what we want and I am disappointed because it seems my vote was not respected. I am wondering where I will get a job with thousands of teachers superior than me being idle. I do not know anyone in the government and we all know you need to know someone to get a job. For me, that's why I need change."

"Museveni, 81, has been president since 1986. He won his seventh term this month with 70% of the vote, amid claims of fraud and after a nationwide internet shutdown in the two days before the poll. In his victory speech he accused the opposition of being terrorists, while opposition leader Bobi Wine, who won 25% of the vote, went into hiding after a police raid on his home."

President Yoweri Museveni won the 2026 general election with 70% of the vote amid claims of fraud and a nationwide internet shutdown in the two days before the poll. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) won 25% and went into hiding after a police raid on his home. Uganda's population is extremely young, with 78% under 35, and many young voters expected Museveni's victory or felt crushed hope after Bobi Wine's rise. A 2021 national planning authority report found 87% of graduates unable to find employment, leading many to informal work such as motorcycle taxi driving. Supporters cite stability under Museveni, while critics point to stagnation, brutal crackdowns, human rights abuses, and a severe youth employment crisis.

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