Youth call for change after four decades of Museveni

When Uganda’s electoral commission declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the 2026 general election earlier this month, there was little surprise among the country’s younger voters.

- By John Musenze

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.

Sarah Namubiru, 21, a university student hoping to be a teacher, says she did not vote for Museveni because of the low salaries in the profession. “The results were not a reflection of what we want and I am disappointed because it seems my vote was not respected,” she said. “I am wondering where I will get a job. 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.”

In 2021, a report by the national planning authority highlighted that 87% of graduates in Uganda were unable to find employment, with most ending up doing odd jobs such as riding motorcycle taxis (boda bodas).