Ugandan elections 2016: Why Mseveni is the US preferred candidate



Ugandan President Yoweri Mseveni has been the president of his country for over 30 years and this is not likely to change in the 2016 elections.

Unlike other African leaders who are despised by the west for clinging on to power, Mseveni’s government has been a US ally in fighting terrorists.

The US considers Uganda a great ally in keeping peace in the East African region and especially in Somalia where the African country’s troops have been fighting Al-Shabaab.

Uganda, under the leadership of Mseveni has a played a huge role in fighting terrorism in the east.

It is often very difficult for African opposition leaders to unseat a sitting president in the continent and this is likely to be the case for Uganda.

Much more, for Mseveni, the US seems to support him in every way.



The diplomatic relationship between the US and Uganda dates back to 1962.

Mseveni has also played a major role in sending troops to the African Union (AU) for peace keeping missions.

Uganda has somehow managed to keep terrorists far from its territory and this off course has been viewed as efforts by Mseveni.

Image Source: Nehanda Radio

Neighbouring Kenya has however suffered terrorist attacks by Al-Shabaab militants.

Mseveni’s closest competitor is Kizza Besigye, a 59-year-old doctor.

Besigye previously served as a Minister.

He was a former doctor of the incumbent president but attempts to unseat Mseveni have failed in 2001, 2006 and 2011.