President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sparked debate online after his appearance at the Africa We Build Summit 2026 held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The high-level summit was organised by the Africa Finance Corporation in partnership with the Government of Kenya, bringing together leaders and investors to discuss Africa’s development and infrastructure growth. Museveni was among the invited guest speakers at the event.
However, his speech quickly became a topic of discussion for a different reason. Unlike other speakers who walked to the podium and delivered their remarks while standing, Museveni chose to remain seated as he addressed the audience.
While speaking, the Ugandan leader explained that he had strained his back while doing push-ups and therefore needed to sit to speak comfortably.
“I am glad you have allowed me to speak while seated. I strained my back doing push-ups and would like to address you comfortably,” he said.
Despite his explanation, many people online were not convinced. A section of the public linked his decision to his age rather than the injury he mentioned.
Social media platforms were filled with mixed reactions, with some users expressing concern while others criticised his continued stay in power.
One user wrote that his inability to stand was a clear sign that age was affecting him and that it was time for him to step aside.
Another said that ageing is unavoidable and what people were seeing was simply a natural process.
Museveni, who is over 80 years old, has been Uganda’s president for more than four decades. He is set to begin another five-year term in May, a fact that continues to fuel debate about leadership, age, and succession in the country.