On June 24, 2025, Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) announced that President Yoweri Museveni, aged 80, will seek re-election in the 2026 general elections. The long-serving leader, in power since 1986, aims to extend his nearly four-decade tenure as both NRM chairman and the party’s presidential candidate.
Political Context
Once celebrated for his commitment to governance reform, the former rebel leader has faced criticism for suppressing opposition and amending the constitution to enable repeated re-elections. The upcoming January 2026 election has intensified a crackdown on opposition figures, with reports of intimidation, abductions, and detentions of activists and politicians.
NRM’s Confirmation
The NRM stated on its website that Museveni “seeks to retain the positions of the NRM chairman and party presidential flag bearer in the 2026 elections.” Tanga Odoi, the NRM electoral commission chairperson, confirmed to AFP that Museveni would formally declare his candidacy as the party’s flag bearer.
Opposition Challenges
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions with the opposition. Musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), who challenged Museveni in the 2021 elections, has also declared his intent to run in 2026. The 2021 polls were marked by allegations of irregularities and violent crackdowns by security forces. Wine has faced multiple arrests and threats, including from Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has publicly threatened him.
Another prominent opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, was abducted in Kenya in 2024 and now faces treason charges in Uganda, carrying a potential death penalty. International rights groups have condemned the charges as politically motivated. Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife and UNAIDS executive director, stated that he is being “criminalised” for challenging Museveni’s rule.
Implications
Museveni’s decision to run again underscores his grip on Ugandan politics, raising concerns about democratic freedoms as the 2026 elections approach. The intensifying crackdown on opposition figures signals a contentious electoral season ahead.
