Uganda’s Museveni Cleared to Run in 2026 as Bobi Wine Returns to the Race

Uganda’s Electoral Commission has officially approved President Yoweri Museveni to run for re-election in the Jan 2026 polls. Having been in power since 1986, Museveni—now 81—has had constitutional changes made to remove limits on age and number of terms. Key opposition figure and former pop star Robert “Bobi Wine” Kyagulanyi has also been cleared, setting up what many expect to be a tense rematch. Museveni says his campaign will emphasise stability, infrastructure improvements, health and education, and anti-corruption programs. Critics, however, point to ongoing concerns about human rights, suppression of dissent, and whether the conditions for a fair contest exist.
Why it matters:

It sets the stage for the next major political battle in Uganda, with generational, youth, and governance issues at the centre.

The removal of age/term limits, and what critics call tightening around opposition space, raise questions about democratic norms and the legitimacy of the electoral process.

International actors will be watching closely, especially concerning fairness, electoral observers, civil liberties.