This past week, Ugandan voters had the opportunity to voice their opinions and vote a leader into presidency. Elections in Uganda, looking at history, are always accompanied with a great deal of violence, most notably in 1971, when Idi Amin took leadership. This year's election, however, has been said to be milder. Still, this period of time brings both hope and fear; fear that violence could turn to war but hope for the Ugandan people to be heard and see positive change occur.

Current president Yoweri Museveni took 68% in the polls leaving closest rival Dr. Kizza Besigye with 26%, Norbert Mao and Olara Otunnu with less than 2% each and four others with under 1%. This will extend Museveni's 25 years of presidency to an 5 additional years in office. Museveni began ruling in 1986 after he seized power from brutality-fueled dictators, Idi Amin and Milton Obote and is responsible for sustaining economic expansion throughout his time as President.

Museveni will be sworn-in this May for another five-year term. After completion of his next term, he will become one of Africa's longest standing rulers.