President Yoweri Museveni is set to contest Uganda’s presidency once again in the 2026 general elections, extending his rule beyond four decades and reaffirming his grip on the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The NRM on Monday announced that Museveni will seek to retain both the party’s chairmanship and presidential flag bearer positions ahead of the 2026 polls.

In a statement shared on X, the party confirmed, “Museveni seeks to retain the positions of the NRM chairman and party presidential flag bearer in the 2026 elections.”

Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since January 1986 after taking power through the Battle of Kampala, remains one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

His presidency has spanned nearly 40 years, shaping Uganda’s politics, economy, and international image.

While Museveni has overseen periods of economic growth and regional influence, his government has faced strong criticism for alleged human rights abuses, suppression of opposition, corruption, and constitutional changes that have kept him in power.

Among the most controversial changes was the removal of presidential age and term limits, clearing the path for his continued stay in office.

Over the years, civil society, opposition groups, and international bodies have questioned Uganda’s democratic space under Museveni’s leadership, citing arbitrary arrests, clampdowns on protests, and restrictions on political activity.

Apology and Reflection

In a rare public act of humility on May 30, 2025, Museveni and his wife, Janet Museveni, issued an emotional apology to Ugandans for the wrongs committed by their administration over the past four decades.

“We humbly take the responsibility of all the mistakes made by ourselves, we stand here to repent and ask for your forgiveness, especially the people of Buganda,” they said during a televised prayer session.

The moment was marked by religious reflection and a call for healing.

“Lord, restore the favour that we had at the beginning, bring healing into their hearts, soften the hardened hearts, and reconnect us to the original vision of our national unity and unwavering commitment to social and economic transformation of our nation,” they prayed.

Their statement acknowledged past failures by the NRM and appealed for reconciliation with citizens who have long felt neglected or oppressed under the party’s rule.

Museveni’s decision to run again comes amid continued debate over democratic reforms in Uganda and growing calls for leadership renewal.

However, his firm hold on the ruling party and security apparatus makes his re-election highly likely.

As the 2026 election approaches, the political landscape in Uganda will once again revolve around Museveni’s leadership—both its legacy and its future.