Uganda's Museveni Seeks Seventh Term Aiming Near 50-Year Rule

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, has been cleared by the Electoral Commission to run for a seventh term in the January 2026 elections, potentially extending his nearly 40-year rule. Constitutional amendments removing age and term limits have allowed Museveni, now 81, to continue his leadership, with the ruling National Resistance Movement nominating him as their candidate. Museveni has credited his tenure with stabilizing the country, promoting economic growth, and improving infrastructure, while pledging to focus on wealth creation, education, health, infrastructure, crime reduction, and anti-corruption efforts in the next term. His main challenger is opposition leader Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), a former musician popular with young voters, who criticized previous elections for irregularities and intimidation. Despite praise for economic advances and stability, Museveni's government faces criticism for human rights abuses, political suppression, and corruption. The election is highly anticipated amid hopes for economic growth driven by new oil exports and ongoing concerns about governance and democratic processes.