Strong And Sober: How Museveni’s Rigorous Lifestyle And Diet Has Kept Him Strong For 8 Decades – See What He Doesn’t Eat Or Drink

Even his opponents acknowledge President Yoweri Museveni for setting such a rigorous standard, given his strict dietary habits.

Mathias Mpuuga, former opposition leader, recently pondered how the opposition can defeat a man who remains consistently sober! Highlighting that the president, whom they aspire to replace, abstains from even a sip of wine, Mpuuga cautioned fellow members against alcohol and tobacco use.

“Tell those eyeing leadership roles to refrain from frequenting bars, getting intoxicated, or using marijuana,” Mpuuga advised.

“To lead, one must maintain sobriety 24/7. The person we seek to replace doesn’t frequent bars; he remains sober and abstains from wine.”

Demonstrating remarkable physical and mental resilience at his age, Museveni’s lifestyle choices have not only daunted his opponents but also garnered unexpected respect in national discourse.

At 79 years old, Museveni appears to have mastered the secrets of longevity and discipline, embodying wisdom that even his adversaries unwittingly acknowledge.In numerous speeches, Museveni has hinted at his strict diet, emphasizing his extensive list of dietary restrictions.

Museveni admitted to avoiding chicken due to its perceived destabilizing effects. In several speeches, Museveni has hinted about his strict diet, noting that his list of “haram” is very long.

“I don’t eat chicken because when you eat chicken, you become unstable. Chicken is a bird. I don’t eat mutton, I don’t eat all those things and so my list of haram is much longer,” he said

“For instance, although Banyankole were not eating chicken, they were keeping chicken for traditional religious ceremonies. But when your Muganda friend came, they were eating chicken so [they would tell them] you take this chicken and eat it.”

Museveni’s first encounter with beer in 1966 left a lasting impression, finding it too bitter and regretting the experience.

“When I first tasted beer in 1966, its bitterness almost made me spit it out. My friend reassured me, saying, ‘You’ll appreciate its sweetness later.’”

His dietary choices have earned him praise even from opponents in 2024. Museveni has expressed a preference for indigenous foods, particularly enjoying millet bread and cassava.

“I prefer indigenous foods; I’m not one to consume rice like an Indian. My staples include matooke, kalo, and cassava. Have I caused offense to rice eaters?” he joked.

In an interview with the BBC, Museveni disclosed that his diet, rich in cassava, Irish potatoes, and native vegetables, helped him shed over 30 kilograms.

“I am always in good shape but decided to shed some excess weight. I steer clear of European and Asian cuisines, opting instead for ample servings of vegetables,” he shared.

Museveni stirred controversy when he advised Ugandans to opt for cassava over bread, citing its affordability. He extolled millet as a superfood.

“I avoid wheat, bread, and rice. When wheat is unavailable, cassava is a suitable alternative. At nearly 79, I rely on cassava and millet. Millet stands out as the ultimate food; it boasts protein, carbohydrates, and iron, all in one. No other food compares,” he emphasized.

During the 2018 Afcon, Museveni criticized the national football team for their dietary choices, noting their lack of ‘power’ in their shots.Despite his conservative diet, Museveni advocates for tolerance toward diverse cultural practices.

“This is our culture; live and let live. You have your way, and I have mine. I respect your way of life as you respect mine,” he concluded.