Wednesday September 24, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
Uganda’s Electoral Commission has cleared President Yoweri Museveni to contest in elections scheduled for early 2026, a move that could extend his grip on power to nearly five decades.
Museveni, 81, first took office in 1986 after a rebel victory and has since become Africa’s fourth longest-ruling leader. While credited with stabilising Uganda, promoting economic growth and spearheading the fight against HIV/AIDS, his government has faced repeated criticism for stifling political opposition, human rights abuses, and entrenched corruption.
The veteran leader has twice overseen constitutional amendments removing presidential age and term limits, paving the way for his continued rule. He is widely expected to face opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in a repeat of the 2021 contest. Wine, 43, a singer-turned-politician, has energised young voters with his calls for change. He rejected the 2021 results as fraudulent, alleging ballot stuffing, intimidation, and widespread irregularities.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Museveni pledged that another five-year term would focus on restoring public safety, fixing transport infrastructure, and expanding healthcare and free education. “There’s a bit of crime and impunity,” he acknowledged, while promising to fight corruption within his government.
Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is also banking on an anticipated economic boom when the country begins crude oil exports next year, with officials projecting double-digit growth in the 2026 financial year.
Museveni’s candidacy is the first to be formally approved, with the Electoral Commission expected to review Wine’s nomination on Wednesday.
Despite his pledges, Museveni’s critics accuse him of using state patronage, security forces, and even violence to entrench his power. In May, Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba—who is also Museveni’s son—sparked outrage after admitting to detaining a missing opposition activist in his basement, while threatening that Bobi Wine “would be next.”
The 2026 election is shaping up as yet another high-stakes showdown between an entrenched incumbent and an opposition movement determined to end his decades-long rule.