Museveni Declares 2026 Re-election Bid, Targets $500 Billion Economy

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni plans to seek another term as leader of his country. The 80-year-old ruler made his announcement on the X social media platform Saturday. Museveni said he wants to represent his National Resistance Movement party as their presidential candidate. He has controlled Uganda since 1986 after taking power through armed conflict. His government changed the constitution twice to remove term limits and age restrictions.

Rights organizations claim Museveni uses security forces and political favors to maintain control. The president denies these accusations against his administration. He promises to expand Uganda's economy to 500 billion dollars within five years. Government records show the nation's current economic output equals about 66 billion dollars. Museveni believes continued leadership will help achieve this financial growth.

Voters will choose their next president and parliament members during January elections. Opposition politician Bobi Wine appears likely to challenge Museveni again for the top office. Wine finished second during the 2021 presidential contest against the longtime leader. The musician turned politician rejected those election results as fraudulent. Wine accused officials of ballot tampering and voter intimidation.