Museveni Cleared to Seek Re-election, Eyes Near Half-Century Rule

Uganda’s Electoral Commission has officially cleared President Yoweri Museveni to stand in the January 2026 presidential race, effectively paving the way for him to extend his rule beyond four decades.

At age 81, Museveni has already overseen two constitutional amendments to remove term and age limits, and the ruling National Resistance Movement continues to rally support behind him.

His main challenger is expected to be Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), a youth icon and former musician whose strong urban and youth base remains a key battleground.

In his campaign pitch, Museveni is promising accelerated investment, infrastructure expansion, education and healthcare reforms, and a continued clampdown on corruption.

Why it matters: This election could mark one of Uganda’s most consequential in decades — the balance between continuity and demand for a generational shift is sharper than ever, especially as the population skews young and discontent with economic stagnation mounts.