Keypoints:
- Museveni will seek sixth term in 2026 vote
- Ruling party confirms candidacy ahead of January polls
- Opposition leader Bobi Wine also in the race
UGANDAN President Yoweri Museveni will seek re-election in the country’s 2026 general elections, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has confirmed, ending months of speculation over his political future.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, will collect nomination forms on June 28 to contest both the NRM chairmanship and presidential candidacy, according to Tanga Odoi, chairperson of the NRM’s electoral body. The announcement was made in a video posted late Monday by state broadcaster UBC on social media.
‘The president will pick expression-of-interest forms for two positions—one for chairperson of the party and the other to contest, if he is given the chance, for presidential flag bearer,’ Odoi stated.
General elections set for January
Uganda’s general elections are scheduled for January 2026, during which voters will elect both a president and members of parliament. While Museveni’s intention to run was widely expected, this marks the first formal confirmation from his party.
Now 80 years old, Museveni is Africa’s fourth-longest-ruling leader. During his tenure, the Ugandan constitution has been amended twice—first to remove term limits and later to eliminate age limits, allowing him to extend his hold on power.
Bobi Wine to challenge Museveni again
The race is set to revive a fierce political rivalry between Museveni and Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who finished second in the 2021 election. The pop star-turned-opposition leader has already announced his intention to run again.
Wine continues to reject the 2021 election results, alleging ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and security force violence. His campaign faced heavy restrictions during the last election cycle, with several of his supporters arrested or injured during confrontations with authorities.
Despite the pressure, Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) has gained momentum, especially among Uganda’s large youth population.
Rights groups question democratic space
Museveni’s long rule has drawn criticism from human rights organisations and civil society groups, who accuse him of maintaining power through state patronage, military backing, and suppression of dissent. Critics say the country’s civic space has shrunk significantly under his leadership, with frequent reports of arbitrary arrests, media crackdowns, and opposition harassment.
Museveni, however, has dismissed these concerns, insisting that his leadership is based on popular support and national stability. He credits his administration with overseeing economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and peace-building efforts across the country and region.
Parties begin vetting candidates
As the NRM prepares for internal vetting and selection, other political parties are also clearing candidates for the 2026 polls. Museveni’s candidacy is widely expected to be unopposed within the ruling party, while the opposition continues to strategise around building broad-based coalitions.
The upcoming election will be closely watched, both locally and internationally, as Uganda enters yet another chapter in its political evolution under Museveni’s extended presidency.
