Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been formally nominated as a candidate for the 2026 presidential elections, marking his seventh consecutive term bid. The 81-year-old leader arrived at the Electoral Commission’s Lubowa nomination grounds, accompanied by senior party officials, including First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
Museveni centered his candidacy around stability and Uganda’s economic transformation. He highlighted the country’s peace and stability under his leadership, noting, “There is peace in the country. There is no war; the army cannot allow that, but there is a bit of crime and impunity.” He pledged to intensify efforts to address emerging security challenges and fight corruption.
The president emphasized Uganda’s economic growth, stating that the country’s GDP has nearly doubled, from $34 billion to $66 billion, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global commodity fluctuations. He attributed this progress to investments in peace, infrastructure, and human capital development.
Challenges and Criticism
Museveni faces stiff competition from opposition figures, including Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who is expected to be nominated on Wednesday. Critics argue that Museveni’s extended rule has led to restrictions on political freedoms and repeated clashes with the opposition. His main challenger, Dr. Kizza Besigye, is currently held at Luzira prison on treason charges.
The Electoral Commission has set September 23-24 as the official nomination window. Commission Chair Justice Simon Byabakama emphasized that all candidates will be treated equally during the nomination period and must adhere to the established legal requirements.
The 2026 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most contested in Uganda’s history, with the opposition intensifying mobilization against Museveni’s prolonged rule.
