Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has officially declared his intention to run for re-election in the 2026 presidential race, a move that could see him extend his rule to nearly 50 years.
In a post on the X platform (formerly Twitter), the 80-year-old leader announced his bid to become the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s presidential flag bearer. Museveni has led Uganda since 1986, after seizing power through a guerrilla war.
“I have expressed my interest in running for… the position of presidential flag bearer,” Museveni wrote, citing ambitions to transform Uganda into a $500 billion economy within five years. Currently, Uganda’s GDP stands at approximately $66 billion, according to the Ministry of Finance.
The NRM has twice amended the constitution to allow Museveni to extend his rule, a practice criticized by rights groups who accuse him of leveraging security forces and patronage to maintain power, allegations he denies.
The upcoming election, scheduled for January 2026, will also decide the country’s lawmakers. Museveni’s primary opponent is expected to be Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, a musician-turned-politician who came second in the 2021 presidential race.
Wine, who has already confirmed his candidacy, previously alleged that the 2021 election was marred by ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and other irregularities. Despite these claims, Museveni secured his sixth term.
The announcement has sparked a mix of reactions, with some praising Museveni’s vision for economic growth and others questioning the implications of his prolonged leadership for Uganda’s democratic future.
