Uganda’s long-serving president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has reappeared in public after weeks of speculation about his health. The 81-year-old leader addressed a lively rally at Paridi Stadium in Adjumani on Monday, October 20, 2025, putting to rest rumours that he had been hospitalised.
Museveni, who spoke with his characteristic energy and assertiveness, thanked supporters across the West Nile region for their continued loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I thank the people of Adjumani for the warm welcome. As I conclude engaging our people in West Nile, I submit that there’s no question or fear of contradiction on these facts. Continue supporting NRM, and we shall do even more,” he stated.
His recent absence from public view had fuelled widespread rumours about his health, especially after missing the State burial of Kenyan former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, which was attended by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu. Museveni sent a delegation led by Ruhakana Rugunda and John Mulimba to represent Uganda at the ceremony.
During his Adjumani appearance, Museveni looked healthy, walking unaided from his car and engaging directly with supporters. He even took questions from party members while standing on a specially designed vehicle.
The rally came just days after Uganda’s Electoral Commission confirmed that Museveni would be on the January 2026 presidential ballot, extending his nearly four-decade rule. The NRM had earlier endorsed him as its flagbearer in June, solidifying his bid for re-election.
Museveni has based his campaign on Uganda’s reported economic growth, claiming on social media that the country’s GDP doubled from USD 34 billion to USD 66 billion over the last five years. He has pledged to raise it further to USD 500 billion if re-elected.
As the nation heads toward the January 12, 2026 elections, Museveni is expected to face a tough challenge from opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), who was also cleared to contest.
