Ugandan President Seeks Re‑Election After 40 Years in Power

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has formally announced he will seek re-election in the upcoming 2026 presidential election, aiming to extend his nearly four decades of uninterrupted rule.

Museveni, 81, first came to power in 1986 following a guerrilla war and has remained in office ever since, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. His bid for a seventh term was cleared by Uganda’s Electoral Commission, allowing him to stand again in elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.

The president’s re-election campaign has been marked by both support and controversy. Backers point to decades of stability, infrastructure development, and economic growth, while critics led by opposition figures such as pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, warn of authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights concerns.

Museveni’s campaign comes amid a tense political climate, with reports of rights groups being shut down and accusations of repression against opposition supporters.

While Museveni’s control over Uganda’s political landscape makes him a strong favorite, analysts say the election will test the country’s democratic processes and could shape Uganda’s future governance and potential leadership transition.