Politics 11 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Ranks Fourth Longest-Serving African Leader
Following his recent swearing-in, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has solidified his position as the fourth longest-serving head of state in Africa, boasting four decades in power. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-the-current-fourth-longest-serving-head-of-state-in-africa-5455458
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda now holds the distinction of being the fourth longest-serving head of state on the African continent, having been in power for 40 years.
Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Nguema Mbasogo leads the list with an impressive 46 years in office. He is followed by Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who has ruled for 43 years since becoming president in 1982.
The Republic of Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso secures the third spot, with a total of 42 years in power, spread across two periods: 1979-1992 and 1997 to the present.
President Museveni has led Uganda for seven elective terms since coming to power in 1986. Behind him is King Mswati III of Eswatini, who has reigned for 39 years as an absolute monarch.
Other long-serving leaders mentioned include Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki, Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, and Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, who transitioned from head of state to President of the Council of Ministers.
This analysis highlights the longevity of several African leaders and their significant impact on their nations’ political landscapes.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)