20110217
Xinhua
KAMPALA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Uganda is set to go to the polls to elect a new president on Friday. The following are the key political events in Uganda after independence.

Uganda gained its independence from Britain in 1962 after 68 years of colonial rule.

In the first four years after independence, the country enjoyed economic and political stability until 1966 when the country's Constitution was abrogated following a dispute between Edward Mutesa, the president then and his Prime Minister Milton Obote.

This was the beginning of the country's almost 20-year civil conflict that left tens of thousands of people dead, millions homeless and a dilapidated economy.

During the 20-year civil unrest six governments were changed unconstitutionally. This included a coup by military strongman Idi Amin in 1971.

After contested elections in 1980, the country's current President Yoweri Museveni waged a guerilla war in 1981.

Museveni came into power in 1986 and embarked on implementing macro economic policies.

He however faced a rebellion in the northern part of the country which lasted over 20 years, leaving tens of thousands of people dead and two million others homeless.

In 1995, the country promulgated a new constitution replacing the one that was made in 1967.

In 1996, the country held its first election since 1980. Museveni won the elections.

In 2001, the country again held elections which Museveni again won although there were some allegations of vote rigging.

In 2005, the country restored multiparty politics after a 25- year ban.

In the same year, the country's constitution was amended, paving the way for Museveni to run again.

In Friday's election, Museveni will face off with seven other candidates among which include his former physician Kizza Besigye who has contested against him twice in 2006 and 2001.

Recent opinion polls have predicted that Museveni will win the elections with over 60 percent.