KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has officially declared his intention to contest the upcoming presidential election in January 2026. If successful, this move could extend his tenure in the East African nation to nearly half a century.
In a statement posted on the X platform late on Saturday, Museveni confirmed his candidacy, stating, “I had expressed my interest in running for… the position of presidential flag bearer,” for his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
The 80-year-old leader has governed Uganda since 1986, when he ascended to power following a five-year guerrilla war.
Over his long rule, the NRM has twice amended the constitution to facilitate his continued leadership.
Rights activists have frequently accused Museveni of utilizing state security forces and a system of patronage to maintain his firm grip on power, allegations he consistently denies.
Museveni articulated his rationale for seeking re-election, citing a vision to transform Uganda into a “$500 billion economy in the next five years.”
According to the finance ministry, Uganda’s current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stands at approximately $66 billion.
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The East African nation is scheduled to hold its presidential election next January, alongside parliamentary polls.
Museveni’s primary challenger in the upcoming vote will be pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.
Wine secured second place in the last presidential election in 2021 and has already confirmed his intention to run again in 2026.
Wine notably rejected the 2021 election results, alleging that his victory was stolen through widespread ballot stuffing, intimidation by security forces, and other significant irregularities.
