Museveni Only Has a Maximum of 10 Years to Live: NRM MPs Turn on M7 Call for Abolishment of Election

A group of National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs, led by Buyaga West MP Barnabas Tinkasimire, has sparked nationwide debate after calling for the abolition of elections to allow President Yoweri Museveni to rule for life as he has a maximum of 10 years.

Speaking to the Parliament Press Corps on Thursday, Tinkasimire argued that recent violence during the Kawempe North by-election was a sign of what’s to come in the 2026 polls.

He claimed Uganda faces inevitable bloodshed if elections proceed, citing security forces' brutality against journalists as proof of the state's desperation to secure an NRM victory despite dwindling support.

Tinkasimire proposed ring-fencing the presidency for Museveni, citing the leader’s advanced age and predicting he has only "5 to 10 years left."

He insisted that elections should be halted, allowing Museveni to govern without competition for the remainder of his life.

“Why should we go through violent, bloody elections when the military clearly won’t accept his defeat?” Tinkasimire questioned, adding that his own daughter, a medical student, shouldn’t be forced to witness such scenes on television.

Bukoto Central MP Richard Sebamala condemned the violence in Kawempe, warning that targeting journalists meant to be neutral observers had crossed a dangerous line.

Kalangala Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli echoed Sebamala’s sentiments, arguing that the violence was designed to intimidate Ugandans and discourage voter participation in 2026, ensuring Museveni’s uncontested victory.

The MPs’ statements have triggered widespread criticism, with many questioning whether Uganda’s democracy can withstand such a drastic proposal.