President Museveni is set to officially enter the race for a seventh presidential term as he picks nomination forms from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) headquarters on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The move signals the start of another election cycle where Museveni, now in his 39th year in power, aims to extend his rule beyond 2026.
The announcement was made by NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi during a press briefing in Kampala on Monday.
“I want to take this opportunity to notify all party members that the President will himself pick the nomination forms for party chairman and for contesting as the party presidential flag bearer in the 2026 elections,” Tanga Odoi said.
Museveni will be seeking two influential positions, NRM national chairperson and presidential flag bearer cementing his continued control over both the party machinery and the national political agenda.
Now approaching 81 years old, Museveni has led Uganda since 1986, a period marked by significant change.
His backers often point to the relative peace and economic growth achieved after years of post-independence chaos.
But over time, concerns have mounted over democratic backsliding, suppression of dissent, and heavy-handed tactics by security forces especially during election periods.
If nominated and elected, as most observers expect, Museveni will enter a seventh term a historic milestone that also reignites debate over long-term incumbency, political competition, and the future of Uganda’s democracy.
Opposition pressure continues to build, with Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine expected to run again on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket.
Bobi Wine has emerged as Museveni’s strongest rival, particularly among Uganda’s youthful population.
In the 2021 elections, Museveni was declared the winner with 58.64% of the vote, while Kyagulanyi garnered 34.83%.
The election, held under tight security and a nationwide internet shutdown, drew criticism from both domestic observers and international rights groups.
Allegations of abductions, torture, and military harassment of opposition supporters have continued to stain Uganda’s electoral processes.
With just months to go until the 2026 vote, the political temperature is already rising.
Meanwhile, Tanga Odoi also confirmed that nominations for positions on the Central Executive Committee (CEC) the top governing organ of the NRM will take place on July 4, as the party gears up for internal elections.
