President Museveni Duly Nominated for 2026 Presidential Elections
By Ronald Kabuubi/ Naome Namusoke/KMA Updates
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially been nominated to contest in the January 2026 presidential elections, marking his eighth consecutive bid for Uganda’s top office.
The long-serving Head of State arrived at the Electoral Commission’s new nomination site in Lweza at exactly 10:00 a.m., accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, several ministers, and senior leaders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Museveni’s nomination papers were formally presented to the Commission by his lawyer, Counsel Edwin Karugire, and signed on his behalf. After about 10 minutes of verification, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama declared him duly nominated, noting that his documents were in order.
“He has fulfilled all the requirements as stipulated in the Presidential Elections Act,” Justice Byabakama said.
In his opening remarks, Justice Byabakama revealed that five political parties and aspirants had so far successfully met all the requirements for nomination. These include the ruling NRM, Conservative Party, National Peasants Party, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and the National Unity Platform (NUP).
“The Commission will continue to review each submission and will grant clearance to aspirants as and when they meet the prescribed minimum requirements,” he added.
As part of the procedure, President Museveni was handed an official lead car and security detail, signaling the commencement of his campaign journey.
Speaking to the media shortly after his nomination, President Museveni highlighted his vision for the next term, focusing on consolidating economic gains and pushing Uganda towards middle- and high-income status.
He pointed to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which he said had grown to USD 66 billion in his previous term, attributing the growth to investments in infrastructure, peace, and stability.
“Our plan is to work with the middle class to ensure transformation, moving Uganda from a lower-income country to a high-income country,” Museveni said.
The NRM candidate also emphasized the need for inclusive economic participation, urging his party members to address challenges affecting ordinary Ugandans.
“We must ensure that the entire population gets involved in the money economy. We need to guarantee free education, improve health services, enhance our road network, and deal with crime and impunity,” he stated.
In a strong pledge, Museveni reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption, which he described as a major obstacle to Uganda’s transformation.
“We are going to fight hard to get rid of corruption, because it prevents our people from enjoying the progress taking place in the country,” he said.
The President’s nomination now sets the stage for a highly anticipated electoral contest as Uganda prepares for the January 2026 polls.