Museveni Formally Enters 2026 Race, Seeks to Extend Decades-Long Leadership

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has formally declared his intention to contest for another term as both National Resistance Movement (NRM) national chairperson and its presidential candidate in Uganda's upcoming 2026 general elections. This move positions him to potentially extend his tenure as one of Africa's longest-serving heads of state, having governed Uganda for nearly four decades.

The incumbent leader, who has steered the NRM since its formation, collected the requisite nomination documents from the party's Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala on Saturday. He was accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni during the process.

A significant gathering of senior party figures witnessed the event, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, multiple government ministers, Members of Parliament, and other prominent officials.

Tanga Odoi, who chairs the NRM Electoral Commission, personally received President Museveni shortly after 1 PM. Odoi confirmed all procedural requirements had been satisfied, including verification of Museveni's party membership and payment of the mandatory nomination fees. Following this vetting, Odoi presented the expression of interest forms for both leadership positions to the president.

"Please ensure these are returned by the deadline. Completion beyond July 5 would invalidate your submission," Odoi advised Museveni.

Secretary General Todwong explained the president's decision resulted from widespread appeals within the party. "Numerous petitions from NRM supporters nationwide urged him to run again. His candidacy isn't self-imposed; it answers the expressed will of our party membership," Todwong stated.

Addressing attendees, Museveni took the opportunity to critique individualistic political approaches, describing them as harmful to national development. "Individual brilliance alone achieves little," he emphasized, championing collective decision-making and leadership focused on community needs. "During elections, communities should evaluate local issues and determine which candidate can best represent those concerns," Museveni elaborated.