President Museveni on Saturday picked nomination forms from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission, setting the stage for his bid to contest in the 2026 presidential elections.
The veteran leader, who has served as Uganda’s head of state since 1986, also expressed his intent to retain the position of NRM National Chairman, a role he has held since the party’s inception.
Accompanied by First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni, the president was chauffeured to the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters at Kyadondo in Kampala.
He was received by top party officials and cheered by enthusiastic crowds that had gathered along the route.
Museveni’s appearance at the NRM secretariat comes ahead of the party’s July 4 nomination deadline, and signals his formal entry into what could be his seventh presidential contest under the NRM ticket.
The NRM Electoral Commission opened the nomination process earlier this month, inviting all interested contenders for both the party’s national leadership and presidential flagbearer positions to submit their applications in preparation for the 2026 general elections.
Museveni’s decision to pick nomination forms ends months of speculation regarding his future political intentions. It also comes amid growing internal and external debate about political succession, with some sections of the party youth and opposition questioning the longevity of his tenure.
If successfully nominated and endorsed by the party, Museveni will extend his leadership bid beyond four decades, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents.
The ruling party is expected to hold internal processes including vetting and potential primaries ahead of the national electoral calendar set by the Electoral Commission of Uganda.
Here is a pictorial of this activity:
