Uganda’s Electoral Commission has officially announced January 15, 2026, as the date for the country’s next general elections, where long-time leader President Yoweri Museveni will seek another term in office. The 81-year-old president, who first took power in 1986 after a guerrilla war, is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. He will run under his National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, aiming to extend his 40-year rule. Over the years, Museveni has been credited with restoring relative stability after decades of conflict, boosting economic growth, and spearheading one of Africa’s most effective HIV/AIDS campaigns. However, his tenure has also been marked by allegations of corruption, repression of dissent, and violent crackdowns on opposition figures. Museveni’s chief challenger remains Robert Kyagulanyi, better known by his stage name Bobi Wine a pop star-turned-politician who has become the face of Uganda’s youth driven demand for change.
Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform (NUP), came second in the 2021 elections, which were marred by accusations of voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and internet shutdowns. He continues to insist that the election was rigged, a claim the government denies. The Electoral Commission confirmed that seven presidential candidates, including Wine and Museveni, have been cleared to contest. The vote will also elect members of parliament and local government officials. Uganda’s opposition leaders and civil society groups are calling for electoral reforms to ensure a free and fair vote, while international observers say the country’s democratic space continues to shrink under Museveni’s rule. If re-elected, Museveni would extend his presidency well into his fifth decade having already amended the constitution twice to remove term and age limits that would have otherwise disqualified him.
