Caleb Amisi: Museveni’s 40-year rule shows democracy failing Africa
By Kiprono Keileb, October 9, 2025Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has voiced concern over what he describes as the decline of democracy in Africa, pointing to Uganda’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni as an example of leadership gone unchecked.
In a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Amisi said Africa must confront the reality that democracy is being eroded by leaders who cling to power under the guise of elections.
“It is a very sad state of Africa to realise that Museveni will once again, at 82 years, be announced President of Uganda after 40 years in power, and we still call it democracy,” Amisi said.
The legislator expressed frustration that democratic systems across the continent have increasingly turned into tools used to legitimise autocratic rule rather than empower citizens.
“Democracy was to be an alternative, more people-driven form of government to the old-age hereditary monarchy. Democracy was NOT a process to legitimise monarchy and autocracy!” he added.
Amisi’s remarks come as Uganda prepares for another election cycle amid speculation that President Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, may once again be on the ballot. His long tenure has often sparked debate across Africa about term limits, accountability, and generational leadership.
The Saboti lawmaker warned that continued silence and acceptance of such governance models will only deepen political stagnation and weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
“God help Africa; God save our country, Kenya, too,” Amisi said, linking his concerns to Kenya’s own governance challenges.
He called for what he termed a renaissance, a new awakening among Africans to demand real democracy that prioritises citizens’ voices and limits power concentration in individuals or families.
“Kenya needs a renaissance,” Amisi concluded.
Amisi’s comments reflect growing frustration among younger political voices across Africa who believe that true democracy should bring change, accountability, and new leadership, not decades of rule under one individual.