From Uganda to Cameroon, how Africa’s ‘leaders for life’ stay in power

Al JazeeraCenterEN 10 min read 100% complete by Shola LawalJanuary 19, 2026 at 08:08 AM

AI Summary

long article 10 min

The article discusses how some African leaders, including Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Paul Biya of Cameroon, have maintained power for decades. Published on January 19, 2026, the article highlights Museveni's recent seventh election win in Uganda, despite facing opposition. Experts suggest these leaders employ tactics such as compromised elections, division strategies, and strong international alliances to consolidate their rule. Museveni, who has been in office for 40 years, is the third-longest serving president globally. The appointment of his son as army chief has raised concerns about a potential dynastic succession. The article notes that many in Uganda have only known Museveni as president.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

National Resistance Army (NRA) 30% Republic of the Congo 40% Sassou Nguesso 40% Kampala ×350% Muhoozi Kainerugaba 50% Cameroon ×260% Robert “Bobi Wine” Kyagulanyi 60% Paul Biya ×270% Uganda ×590% Yoweri Museveni ×9100%

Keywords

yoweri museveni 100% leaders for life 90% uganda 90% long rule 80% african politics 80% paul biya 70% consolidate power 70% elections 70% cameroon 70% dynastic succession 60%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.40

Source Transparency

Source

Al Jazeera

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Uganda

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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yoweri museveni leaders for life uganda long rule african politics paul biya consolidate power elections cameroon dynastic succession

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