Ugandan President Museveni Plans Reelection Extending Nearly 40-Year Rule

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, aged 80 and in power since 1986, has confirmed his candidacy for the upcoming 2026 presidential election, seeking a seventh term that could extend his rule to nearly five decades. Museveni aims to transform Uganda's economy, pledging to grow its GDP from approximately $66 billion to $500 billion within the next five years, focusing on sectors such as agro-industrialization, tourism, minerals, oil and gas, and science and technology. Despite constitutional amendments removing term and age limits to facilitate his continued leadership, Museveni faces criticism for alleged authoritarian tactics, including the use of security forces to suppress dissent and opposition, claims he denies. Opposition leader Bobi Wine remains a prominent challenger, having disputed the 2021 election results on grounds of fraud and intimidation. While Museveni's government argues that his re-election bid is essential for political stability and economic development, critics warn that his prolonged rule undermines Uganda's democratic future and raises concerns about electoral fairness and human rights. Museveni also emphasizes anti-corruption efforts as a priority should he be re-elected.