Museveni declares 2026 bid his final term, vows to finish Uganda’s key projects
Museveni, 80, has been in power since 1986 and is aiming for a seventh term, potentially extending his rule to nearly five decades.
Uganda President Yoweri Museveni has announced that the 2026 elections will be his final campaign for the presidency, urging citizens to support him as he seeks another term to complete key national projects.
“This is the last time I’m vying for President in Uganda. I’ll never vie again after 2026. So I urge all Ugandans to come out in large numbers and vote for me for the very last time. I have a few projects that I want to finish,” Museveni said.
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The declaration comes amid growing debate over Uganda’s political future and succession planning. Museveni, 80, has been in power since 1986 and is aiming for a seventh term, potentially extending his rule to nearly five decades.
He officially expressed his intent to run for another term in June, reiterating his commitment to national development and anti-corruption.
“In this time, I want us really to wipe out corruption,” he said, adding that corruption should not exist under leadership.
He also outlined a broader economic vision, stating that the government aims to transform Uganda into a $500 billion economy within five years.
Museveni’s candidacy was formally endorsed after collecting more than 2 million voter signatures, far exceeding the 9,800 required under Electoral Commission (EC) guidelines.
On Saturday, a procession led by ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary-General Richard Todwong delivered Museveni’s nomination forms to Kampala, with support from voters across the country.
“The submission of supporters’ forms is a critical step. We will now verify each signature to ensure authenticity and that no voter has endorsed more than one candidate,” EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said.
Verified candidates
The verified candidates will be officially nominated on September 23 and 24 at the EC’s new offices in Lweza, southeast of Kampala.
Museveni’s main challenger, National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, also submitted nomination forms, reportedly backed by over 200,000 signatures.
NUP Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya claimed the party faced interference by security forces in parts of western Uganda.
Decades ago, Museveni criticised African leaders who overstayed in office, yet a 2026 victory would extend his tenure to nearly 50 years.
His son, army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has expressed ambitions to succeed him, raising concerns over potential hereditary rule.
Museveni dismissed critics, including Bobi Wine, whom he described as “an agent of foreign interests” unfit for leadership. Despite repeated arrests, Wine continues a nonviolent campaign for the presidency.
If elected, Museveni has pledged to focus on completing ongoing development initiatives and steering Uganda toward a corruption-free and economically ambitious future.
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