By Our Reporter
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has formally picked nomination forms from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) headquarters in Kampala, confirming his intention to seek a seventh term as both party chairman and presidential flag bearer ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Clad in the NRM’s symbolic yellow shirt, Museveni arrived at Plot 13 Kyadondo Road just after 1PM on Saturday, accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni. Thousands of jubilant supporters—some dancing, others waving party flags—had thronged the area from morning in a show of loyalty and celebration.
The event marked a defining moment in Uganda’s political calendar, as Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, launched another bid that could see him extend his presidency beyond 40 years.
NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi confirmed that Museveni’s official nomination will take place on July 5, following a date adjustment due to expected large crowds.
“The President will return on July 5 for formal nomination. We initially scheduled this for July 3 but revised the date in light of anticipated excitement,” Dr. Odoi said.
The party will later hold its presidential flag bearer selection on October 2–3—a process that has historically tilted heavily in Museveni’s favor, reaffirming his status as the party’s uncontested leader.
Museveni Vows Economic Transformation and Corruption Fight
Addressing the crowd at Kyadondo, Museveni outlined his economic priorities for his next term, emphasizing value addition on local products and tougher action on corruption.
He pledged to support investment that transforms Uganda’s raw materials into high-value exports, taking a swipe at critics who opposed controversial investor Enrica Pinetti’s efforts to process Ugandan coffee.
“Some of our people fought Pinetti, yet she came to help us add value to our coffee. We must stop being enemies of progress,” Museveni said, urging Ugandans to support government-led industrialization and trade reforms.
He further promised to strengthen poverty alleviation initiatives by injecting more funds into government livelihood programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying, “Ugandans must feel economic relief in the next term.”
Museveni concluded his remarks with a familiar message to his supporters, particularly Uganda’s youth:
“I thank the NRM fraternity for the support. This has encouraged me to escort the party members, especially the Bazzukulu (grandchildren), for five more years — then we shall see what happens.”
Uganda’s 2026 general election is shaping up as a generational showdown. While Museveni continues to promote his legacy of peace, infrastructure, and experience, his main rival Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is appealing to the country’s younger population with a message of accountability, change, and empowerment.
With millions of voters heading to the polls in January, parliamentary seats will also be up for grabs, intensifying what is expected to be one of the most consequential political contests in the nation’s recent history.