Kenya, July 7 -- Uganda's long-time president, Yoweri Museveni, who is 80 years old, has been chosen as his party's candidate for the presidential election next year. This means he is looking to continue his nearly 40 years in power.

In his speech after accepting the nomination, Museveni said he is ready to continue his work to make Uganda a "high middle-income country".

Many of Museveni's critics say he has been a strict ruler since he took power as a rebel leader in 1986.

He has won every election since then, and the rules have been changed twice to let him stay in office without limits on age or how long he can serve.

Pop star Bobi Wine, who is also a politician, is expected to be Museveni's main opponent in the election set for next January.

In April, Wine mentioned that he would run against Museveni if his party, the National Unity Platform, nominated him.

However, he said it is becoming more difficult to be in opposition because of increased government pressure. He said, "Being in the opposition in Uganda means being called a terrorist."

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, lost the last election in 2021 to Museveni, with results showing 35% for Wine and 59% for Museveni. This election was also filled with claims of cheating and a crackdown on opposing voices.

Another well-known opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, has been in jail since November, accused of treason. He says these accusations are political and not true.

In his acceptance speech at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) conference, Museveni talked about how he has brought stability and progress to Uganda.

He emphasised how important it is for Uganda not to fall behind, like it did in the past, when Europe advanced while Africa struggled.

Museveni expressed his desire for Uganda to make a "qualitative leap" and become a "high upper-middle-income country".

He pointed out that other Asian countries, which have fewer natural resources, have been able to succeed, and he believes Uganda can do the same.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.