Uganda's long-serving president fires prime minister, a former ally turned rival for power

KAMPALA, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has fired his prime minister, a former ally who is widely expected to seek the presidency in elections in 2016.

Ofwono Opondo, a spokesman for Uganda's government, said Amama Mbabazi was the only member of Cabinet affected by a reshuffle announced late Thursday.

Analysts say Museveni's move is intended to clip Mbabazi's wings but could embolden him to seek the presidency, potentially posing the biggest challenge yet to Museveni's long tenure as president of this East African country.

Some members of the ruling party are openly urging Museveni to retire after spending nearly three decades in power.

Museveni, who turned 70 this week, is widely expected to seek re-election in 2016.