President Yoweri Museveni has been officially nominated as the flagbearer of Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for the January 2026 presidential election. At 81, he is pushing to extend his four-decade rule.
Speaking after the nomination in Kampala, Museveni told cheering supporters: “Our focus is on improving the economy and securing the future of Uganda.” He promised new investments in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure to lift millions out of poverty.
Museveni’s biggest challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, is expected to secure the ticket of the National Unity Platform (NUP) on Wednesday.
The party urged supporters to “come out in large numbers” to back the musician-turned-politician.
Bobi Wine, 43, has positioned himself as the face of Uganda’s restless youth. He accuses Museveni of clinging to power, stifling dissent, and mismanaging public resources.
Human rights groups have also documented arrests, intimidation, and violent crackdowns on opposition rallies since the last election.
Museveni first took power in 1986 after a guerrilla war. His rule indeed stabilised the country and led to strong economic growth, but was also plagued by accusations of corruption and authoritarianism.
He has repeatedly changed the constitution to extend his stay in power, scrapping both term limits and age limits. Although he has now declared: “This will be my last run,” critics say he has made similar promises in the past.
The coming election is expected to test Uganda’s democracy, as the contest once again pits an entrenched leader against a youthful opposition.
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