Uganda's President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially been nominated to run for re-election in Uganda’s January 2026 presidential poll after meeting all the legal requirements, the Electoral Commission (EC) confirmed Tuesday.
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, chairperson of the EC, declared that Museveni’s documents had passed scrutiny under the Presidential Elections Act.
Museveni, aged 81, arrived at the EC nomination grounds in Lweza at 10:00 am escorted by First Lady Janet Museveni and a host of senior NRM officials, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Speaker of Parliament Anita.
After review of his nomination papers, academic credentials and all required supporting documents, Justice Byabakama announced that the NRM candidate had “fulfilled all the requirements of the nomination as stipulated in the Presidential Elections Act.”
Under the law, a presidential nominee must be a citizen of Uganda by birth, at least 18 years old, a registered voter, and have obtained at least a secondary-school level education corresponding to Advanced (A) Level or equivalent.
Prospective candidates must also submit nomination papers in triplicate, provide recent passport photographs, proof of voter registration, endorsements from not fewer than 100 registered voters drawn from at least 98 districts (two-thirds of Uganda’s districts), and pay a non-refundable nomination fee of Ugandan Shillings 20 million (Sh740,000).
They must also obtain a certificate of compliance from the EC.
In his remarks after being validated, Museveni thanked his party for its support.
“I want to thank the NRM members for again trusting me as the flagbearer for the 2026-2031 term,” he said, noting that his task now, beyond securing the nomination, is to convince Ugandans of what his administration has achieved and what it plans to accomplish in the next term.
He added some of his government’s record in economic growth, saying that “In this economy, the GDP of Uganda has doubled currently in the recent Kisanja (term) from $34 billion (Sh4.5 trillion) to $66 billion (Sh8.6 trillion). You have everything today that you lacked in the past: electricity, roads, telephones, manpower, educated people, and peace. That’s why we are being flooded by many investors because they are looking for a peaceful and profitable area where to invest.”
He also acknowledged concerns about corruption, crime and impunity, and pledged to tackle them if granted another term.
Supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) gathered in large numbers, painting the atmosphere with the party’s colours.
A nomination rally is planned for later today at Kololo Independence Grounds, following the formal nomination process.
The nomination of Museveni marks the formal launch of what is likely to be a hard-fought campaign, with other candidates expected to file their papers later in the nomination window.
The Electoral Commission has insisted that all aspirants present themselves in person and submit all required documents; there will be no nominations in absentia.
