President Museveni Kicks Off Campaigns For 2026-2031 Presidential Term After Successful Nomination

 September 23, 2025   |    13 views

KAMPALA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was on Tuesday morning formally nominated as a candidate for Uganda’s 2026 presidential elections, extending his rule that has spanned nearly four decades.

The 81-year-old incumbent arrived at the Electoral Commission’s Lubowa nomination grounds accompanied by First Lady and Education Minister Janet Kataaha Museveni, NRM First National Vice Chairperson Moses Kigongo, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, and other senior party officials.

Museveni, running once again on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, positioned his candidacy around stability and Uganda’s economic transformation. 

Speaking after his nomination, President Museveni pledged to “deepen efforts to safeguard and advance Uganda’s hard-won gains, ensuring steady progress for every citizen.”

Museveni said Uganda remained peaceful and stable under his leadership. 

“There is peace in the country. There is no war; the army cannot allow that, but there is a bit of crime and impunity,” he remarked, adding that law enforcement and the ruling party would intensify efforts to deal with emerging security challenges.

He also applauded the Electoral Commission for “doing such detailed work of studying the documents and approving our candidature. It is a lot of paperwork. I congratulate them.”

The president further expressed gratitude to members of his party for “showing trust in me and electing me as the NRM Chairperson and party flagbearer.”

 He urged the party’s structures at all levels to remain vigilant, expose criminal elements, and help hold accountable those undermining the rule of law.

First coming to power in 1986 after a guerrilla war, Museveni has won five successive elections, consolidating his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. 

His tenure has been defined by investments in infrastructure, expansion of social services, and economic reforms aimed at steering Uganda toward middle-income status.

Museveni’s clearance puts him in direct contest with opposition figures including Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who is expected to be nominated on Wednesday.

NRM officials said the ruling party will launch its campaign immediately, with rallies highlighting Museveni’s record in maintaining peace and economic growth.