Uganda's Museveni, Cameroon's Biya deploy giant mannequins for re-election campaign

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has left tongues wagging after deploying mannequins as his stand-ins during a recent street campaign, a move that has since gone viral across East Africa.

The 81-year-old leader, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, appears to have borrowed a page from Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who a month ago used mannequins and dummies to campaign in his place.

In the viral clips circulating on social media, Museveni’s mannequin, dressed in his signature cowboy hat, yellow T-shirt, and black trousers, is seen mechanically waving to cheering citizens, while another dummy sits perched on a yellow bicycle fixed to the roof of a black Land Cruiser.

Behind them, a giant campaign banner bearing Museveni’s face and re-election slogan flutters in the background.

WATCH: A car carrying President Museveni's prop figure, symbolizing support for his next term, excites NRM supporters in Pakwach ahead of his arrival in the district.

?@gwitabinji #UBCUGPolls2026 pic.twitter.com/D4CHMGHmEH

— UBC UGANDA (@ubctvuganda) October 7, 2025

The unusual display took place during the Nebbi rally on October 11, 2025, marking the official launch of Museveni’s 2026 re-election campaign. The spectacle has fueled debate online, with many interpreting it as a sign of the president’s physical decline after nearly four decades in power.

Museveni, who scrapped term limits in 2005, was accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni as he began his West Nile campaign tour, urging Ugandans to embrace peace and wealth creation. However, his message came amid growing criticism over past election irregularities and accusations of authoritarian rule.

Interestingly, Museveni isn’t alone in embracing this odd campaign strategy. Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya, Africa’s second-longest-serving leader, recently hit headlines for a similar stunt.

Biya reportedly hired two ventriloquists to control massive mannequins, one modelled after him, and another after First Lady Chantal Biya, as they “addressed” supporters from a campaign vehicle.

Cameroonian ??
Presidential candidate Paul Biya who is 92 and has served as president since 1982 sends his statue to his campaigns since he is unable to attend in person because of old age and the people are cheering. What is wrong with Africa? pic.twitter.com/bBgJ5O3kLu

— Tilingi ??? (@ArapTilingi) October 6, 2025

Social media users across the continent couldn’t resist poking fun at the bizarre trend.

Maureen Dama on Instagram commented, “This guy doesn’t take Ugandans serious.”

Another user, Gordon, wrote, “Hii haiwezi happen Kenya, juu noma sana.”

Comedian Collins quipped, “Ni wazee sana hawawezi fika kwa ground.”

As Museveni eyes another term in 2026, his mannequin campaign has not only raised eyebrows but also sparked memes, jokes, and a renewed debate about Africa’s ageing political class.