Museveni’s Age No Barrier to Leadership, Says Minister Emeritus

As Uganda’s President turns 82, senior figures argue his experience and mental alertness remain vital assets for national transformation.

KAMPALA, UGANDA — Minister for Presidency Emeritus and Budhiope West MP, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has issued a spirited defence of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni amid ongoing public debate over his age and continued tenure.

In a statement released following the recent election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 12th Parliament, Babalanda argued that the President’s 82 years should be viewed not as a weakness, but as a “reservoir of experience” from which Uganda continues to benefit.

“Ugandans continue to witness a leader who is ageing gracefully while remaining intellectually alert, physically active, disciplined, and spiritually grounded,” Babalanda wrote. “That, in itself, is a blessing from God and a reflection of personal discipline cultivated over decades.”

Leadership Not About Insults

The minister stressed that leadership should be measured by solutions and nation-building, not by “endless insults, pessimism, or cynicism.” She noted that there is no known medical condition affecting the President’s judgment or decision-making ability.

Her remarks come as a small but growing section of the Ugandan public and opposition figures question whether the East African nation should consider a younger leadership profile. Museveni, in power since 1986, has consistently dismissed such concerns, pointing to his health, energy, and the country’s relative stability.

Speaker Race Demonstrates Confidence

Babalanda pointed to the recent election of parliamentary leadership as proof of continued trust in the President’s political guidance. She congratulated fellow Members of Parliament for rallying behind the party position and the guidance of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) national chairperson.

“Throughout Uganda’s modern political history, President Museveni’s guidance on sensitive national and party matters has consistently been informed by patriotism, experience, and a sincere desire to preserve stability while accelerating national development,” she wrote. “Time and again, his decisions have proved to be calculated not for personal gain but for the broader interests of the country and the cohesion of the NRM.”

The minister urged party members to avoid unnecessary divisions and uphold the “spirit of unity and consensus” that has enabled the Movement to lead Uganda for decades.

Call for Respect Toward Elders

Babalanda also appealed to Ugandans to resist what she called “the growing culture of disrespect towards elders and national leaders.” While constructive criticism is healthy in any democracy, she argued, it should be expressed with civility, patriotism, and respect.

“Leadership is ordained by God,” she added, “and disagreements should never descend into personal attacks or ridicule against individuals who have dedicated much of their lives to national service.”

Focus on Development Agenda

The minister concluded by reminding Ugandans that the country is currently implementing transformative programmes aimed at improving household incomes, promoting industrialisation, expanding regional trade, and strengthening infrastructure development.

“At 82, the President continues to demonstrate resilience, wisdom, strategic clarity, and an unwavering commitment to national development,” Babalanda said. “His age should, therefore, not be viewed as a weakness.”

The author, Milly Babirye Babalanda, is Minister for Presidency Emeritus and Member of Parliament for Budhiope West.