Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has celebrated Trump’s 2024 electoral victory commending it as a reflection of the “feeling of the majority” of Americans.

Museveni’s message, issued on behalf of the “freedom-loving people of Uganda,” sparked mixed reactions as it brought attention to his own prolonged rule and contentious relationship with democratic processes and opposition voices in Uganda.

Museveni’s note emphasized a commitment to “peace and mutually beneficial cooperation,” a sentiment that struck many observers as ironic given Uganda’s recent history under his leadership.

After nearly four decades in power, Museveni’s government has faced increasing criticism over alleged suppression of dissent, incidents of alleged human rights abuses and tightening restrictions on political opposition.

Critics argue that his long rule has veered away from the democratic values he once advocated for when he led a guerrilla campaign against then-President Idi Amin.

The juxtaposition of Museveni’s praise for Trump’s democratic victory with his own domestic record highlights a complex narrative surrounding Uganda’s leadership and governance.

The statement subtly underscores the tension in Museveni’s leadership style, with international observers often questioning the democratic practices he promotes abroad versus those applied domestically.

For many Ugandans, the message serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for greater political freedoms and transparency within their own borders, revealing the nuanced dynamics of leadership and democracy across different nations.