Uganda's Electoral Commission approved President Yoweri Museveni's candidacy for the January 2026 presidential elections on Tuesday. The octogenarian leader has governed the East African nation since seizing power through military force in 1986. His potential victory would extend his rule to nearly five decades, making him one of Africa's longest-serving heads of state. The National Resistance Movement party nominated Museveni as their standard-bearer after confirming his selection in June. Opposition candidate Bobi Wine also received electoral clearance on Wednesday afternoon.
Museveni outlined his campaign priorities through social media posts, emphasizing wealth creation and infrastructure development. He highlighted Uganda's economic growth, citing the gross domestic product's increase from 34 billion to 66 billion dollars. Constitutional amendments removed both presidential term limits and age restrictions, enabling his continued candidacy. Critics condemn his administration for suppressing political opposition and committing human rights violations. The former rebel leader originally promised to prevent African leaders from overstaying in office.
Museveni outlined his campaign priorities through social media posts, emphasizing wealth creation and infrastructure development. He highlighted Uganda's economic growth, citing the gross domestic product's increase from 34 billion to 66 billion dollars. Constitutional amendments removed both presidential term limits and age restrictions, enabling his continued candidacy. Critics condemn his administration for suppressing political opposition and committing human rights violations. The former rebel leader originally promised to prevent African leaders from overstaying in office.
