President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s longest-serving leader, is set to contest for re-election in the 2026 general elections, marking a potential extension of his 39-year tenure. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) confirmed via a statement on X that Museveni is expected to pick nomination papers at the party’s Electoral Commission offices.
“Museveni seeks to retain the positions of the NRM chairman and party presidential flag bearer in the 2026 elections,” the statement read. Since assuming power in January 1986 following the Battle of Kampala, Museveni has maintained a tight grip on Ugandan politics. His rule has seen a mix of economic growth and political controversy, often drawing criticism for authoritarian practices, human rights violations, and rampant corruption.
Under his leadership, Uganda has witnessed significant constitutional changes, including the removal of presidential term limits in 2005 and the scrapping of the age limit in 2017. These amendments effectively opened the door for Museveni, now 80, to continue contesting for office indefinitely.
In a rare moment of public reflection on May 30, 2025, Museveni and his wife, Janet Museveni, appeared in a televised statement where they acknowledged the government’s past failures. Addressing the nation, they expressed remorse for the harm caused during the NRM’s four-decade rule, especially towards the Buganda region.
“We humbly take the responsibility of all the mistakes made by ourselves. We stand here to repent and ask for your forgiveness,” Museveni stated, joined by his wife in an emotional appeal. The moment was marked by prayer and a call for national healing.
“Lord, restore the favour that we had at the beginning, bring healing into their hearts, soften the hardened hearts, and reconnect us to the original vision of our national unity,” they prayed.
Museveni’s decision to seek another term is expected to stir debate both within Uganda and across the international community, as questions about democratic governance, leadership renewal, and political freedoms continue to loom large over the East African nation.
