MWE Correspondent
Uganda’s long-serving President Yoweri Museveni has officially been nominated as a candidate for the upcoming January 2026 presidential election.
At 81 years old, Museveni has been in power since 1986, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His administration has been marked by significant infrastructure development and economic growth. However, it has also faced criticism over issues such as human rights abuses, suppression of political opposition, and allegations of corruption.
In 2017, Uganda’s parliament removed presidential age limits from the constitution, allowing Museveni to run for additional terms. This change has been a point of contention among critics who argue that it undermines democratic principles.
Museveni’s main challenger in the upcoming election is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. A former pop star and current Member of Parliament, Kyagulanyi leads the National Unity Platform (NUP). He has been a vocal critic of Museveni’s government and advocates for political reform and youth empowerment.
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The Electoral Commission has cleared Kyagulanyi to contest in the 2026 election, and he is expected to be officially nominated on September 24, 2025. His campaign is gaining momentum among Uganda’s youthful population, which constitutes a significant portion of the electorate.
As the election approaches, political analysts anticipate a highly competitive race. The outcome will likely hinge on voter turnout, campaign strategies, and the candidates’ ability to address pressing issues such as unemployment, corruption, and democratic governance.
The 2026 election is poised to be a pivotal moment in Uganda’s political landscape, with the potential to shape the nation’s future trajectory. Both Museveni and Kyagulanyi are mobilizing their support bases, and the international community is closely monitoring developments in the lead-up to the polls.
