Sign up for our daily briefing
Make your busy days simpler with Axios AM/PM. Catch up on what's new and why it matters in just 5 minutes.
Stay on top of the latest market trends
Subscribe to Axios Markets for the latest market trends and economic insights. Sign up for free.
Sports news worthy of your time
Binge on the stats and stories that drive the sports world with Axios Sports. Sign up for free.
Tech news worthy of your time
Get our smart take on technology from the Valley and D.C. with Axios Login. Sign up for free.
Get the inside stories
Get an insider's guide to the new White House with Axios Sneak Peek. Sign up for free.
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Want a daily digest of the top Denver news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Denver
Want a daily digest of the top Des Moines news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Des Moines
Want a daily digest of the top Twin Cities news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Twin Cities
Want a daily digest of the top Tampa Bay news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Tampa Bay
Want a daily digest of the top Charlotte news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Charlotte
Uganda's President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addresses the UN General Assembly in New York on September 19, 2017. Photo: Jewel Samad / AFP / Getty Images
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has hailed President Trump as "one of the best presidents ever," saying he "speaks to Africans frankly" and even adding, "I love Trump."
These statements may seem surprising after Trump reportedly called African countries "shitholes." But Museveni — who allegedly rigged the 2016 elections and then had the presidential age limit in the Ugandan constitution removed to allow himself to run again — may be hoping that flattery will help secure U.S. support for his increasingly illegitimate administration.
As opposition groups gear up for the 2021 elections, some Ugandan lawmakers are already trying to reinstate the age limit. Any U.S. diplomatic support that bolsters Museveni’s legitimacy and downplays criticism of his anti-democratic actions could smooth his path to re-election.
Why it matters: Museveni's comments give Trump cover (however flimsy) against charges of racism, and he may be hoping Trump will repay the favor. Other leaders with poor records on human rights and democracy, such as President Joseph Kabila in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, will likely watch closely to see how Trump responds.
Aditi Gorur is the director of the Protecting Civilians in Conflict program at the Stimson Center.