Ssemujju Nganda, an opposition MP in Uganda, has urged Parliament to submit President Yoweri Museveni to regular mental and physical health evaluations.
He emphasized the constitution’s mandate that the president be mentally and physically fit to hold office.
Ssemujju’s appeal comes amid mounting concerns about Museveni’s elderly age, since the president is now in his 80s and has ruled the country for nearly four decades.
During a parliamentary session, Ssemujju referred to a previous request made by another MP, Pacuto, who campaigned for regular health exams for public workers following the unexpected death of a colleague.
He claimed that such checks are especially important for the president, given Museveni’s age and what Ssemujju termed as unpredictable decision-making.
To back up his case, Ssemujju cited parallels with the United States, where similar worries have been expressed regarding President Joe Biden’s ability to rule due to his age.
Biden, aged 79, faced intense scrutiny, with some even proposing that he not compete for re-election.
Ssemujju believes that similar measures should be implemented in Uganda to ensure that the country’s leadership remains capable and effective.
Uganda’s Constitution mandates that presidential candidates be in good mental and physical health.
However, once a candidate is elected, there is currently no mechanism to enforce regular health evaluations.
Ssemujju’s call for change highlights a broader concern among some opposition members, who question whether Museveni is still fit to lead Uganda after nearly four decades in power.
This debate reflects deeper anxieties about leadership, health, and governance in the country’s political landscape.
