Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has formally declared his intention to run for re-election in the 2026 presidential poll, seeking a seventh consecutive term after nearly 40 years in office. At 81 years old, Museveni, who first came to power in 1986 following a successful five-year guerrilla war, continues to rank among the continent’s longest-serving leaders.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM), the ruling party he has led since its founding, officially endorsed him as its presidential candidate in mid-2025. In September 2025, Uganda’s Electoral Commission verified his nomination papers and confirmed that he had satisfied all legal requirements to stand in the election, scheduled for January 15, 2026.
Museveni’s rise began in January 1986 when his National Resistance Army captured Kampala and overthrew the military government of General Tito Okello. In his inaugural address, he promised a “fundamental change” in Ugandan and African politics, famously criticizing leaders who cling to power for too long. The early years of his presidency were widely praised for bringing relative peace after decades of dictatorship and civil conflict under Idi Amin and Milton Obote. His administration restored order, rebuilt basic infrastructure, launched successful HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment campaigns, and defeated the brutal Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency in the north.
Over the decades, Museveni’s government has overseen steady economic growth, the expansion of Uganda’s road and energy networks, the establishment of the country as a major refugee-hosting nation in Africa, and participation in regional peacekeeping operations in Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Supporters frequently cite these accomplishments when defending his continued leadership, arguing that stability and incremental development would be jeopardized by a change at the top. The NRM campaign continues to emphasize the theme of “Protecting the Gains,” promising further industrialization, agricultural modernization, and the benefits of forthcoming oil production.
Despite these achievements, Museveni’s long tenure has drawn increasing domestic and international criticism. Constitutional changes in 2005 abolished presidential term limits, and a 2017 amendment removed the upper age limit of 75, clearing the legal path for him to keep running. Observers and opposition groups have repeatedly accused his administration of widespread corruption, the systematic weakening of independent institutions, and the narrowing of civic and political space.
Numerous high-profile graft scandals have emerged over the years, involving embezzlement in public procurement, privatization deals, and donor-funded projects. Rights organizations and independent analysts have documented a pattern of arrests, abductions, beatings, and restrictions targeting opposition politicians, journalists, and civil society activists, particularly in the lead-up to elections.
The 2026 contest will see Museveni face several challengers, most notably pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), leader of the National Unity Platform. The two men clashed in the bitterly disputed 2021 election, which international observers described as marred by violence, intimidation, internet shutdowns, and irregularities. Bobi Wine, who captured strong support among Uganda’s large youth population, has again positioned himself as the main alternative, campaigning on promises to fight corruption, restore political freedoms, create jobs, and address the frustrations of a generation that has known only Museveni’s rule.
The pre-election atmosphere remains tense. Reports continue to highlight incidents of harassment, detentions, and the heavy deployment of security forces at opposition events. Opposition leaders and human rights monitors describe an environment designed to discourage open political competition.
A growing point of national and international discussion is the question of succession. Museveni has occasionally appeared frail in public, prompting speculation about his long-term health and the future direction of the country. Much attention has centered on his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the current Chief of Defence Forces. Muhoozi’s swift promotions through the military ranks have led many to believe the president is quietly preparing the ground for a dynastic transition, although both father and son have publicly dismissed such suggestions.
Analysts point out that the outcome of the January 2026 vote may be less about the official results and more about the underlying public mood, the level of participation, and the response of different sections of society. While Museveni’s control over state institutions, security apparatus, and patronage networks makes his victory appear highly probable, the size of any reported margin, the conduct of the campaign, and the reaction of the youth vote could influence the political landscape for years to come.
Uganda’s population of roughly 46 million is among the youngest in the world, with a median age of about 17. This demographic reality has heightened generational tensions. Museveni retains strong backing in many rural areas, where memories of earlier instability remain vivid and where government development projects are visible. In contrast, urban centers and younger voters often express deep dissatisfaction with unemployment, corruption, and perceived lack of political change.
As the country approaches polling day on January 15, 2026, the election encapsulates a broader debate about Uganda’s political trajectory: the balance between stability and democratic renewal, the legacy of prolonged leadership, and the prospects for a peaceful and orderly transition of power in the years ahead.
