Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni is seeking re-election, aiming to extend his nearly four-decade rule with another term in office.
- President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda seeks reelection to extend his nearly four-decade tenure.
- At 80 years old, Museveni has amended the constitution twice to maintain his presidency.
- The president’s economic vision aims to grow Uganda’s GDP to $500 billion by 2040.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni is seeking re-election, aiming to extend his nearly four-decade rule with another term in office.
The 80-year-old leader picked up nomination forms this week to run as both the presidential candidate and chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), his spokesperson Sandor Walusimbi confirmed on X.
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Museveni was a part of the rebels who ousted Ugandan leaders Idi Amin (1971–79) and Milton Obote (1980–85). Now 80 years old, Museveni, one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents, has amended the constitution twice to extend his hold on power.
Lofty economic goals amid fiscal pressure
His government says the bid for another term is part of a broader strategy to transform Uganda’s economy. The president has pledged to grow the economy tenfold to $500 billion by 2040, anchored on agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral-based industrialization, including oil and gas, and advances in science and technology.
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With national finances already under pressure, some observers fear the 2026 elections could further strain Uganda’s economy, leaving the country even more vulnerable in the aftermath.
Museveni has won five consecutive elections, nearly all of which have been marred by accusations of vote rigging, suppression of opposition, and security crackdowns.
As he prepares for what could be his seventh term, critics argue that Museveni’s prolonged grip on power undermines Uganda’s democratic future. Still, his supporters insist that he brings political stability and a clear roadmap for economic development.
