Uganda: Museveni Prepares for Seventh Term After Official Nomination
Kampala – Juba Global News Network – News Report
The ruling National Resistance Movement party in Uganda today issued an official decision confirming the nomination of President Yoweri Museveni (80 years old) for a new presidential term in the elections scheduled for early 2026. This move would extend his rule, which began in 1986, to four decades.
Formal Nomination Process
According to the statement issued by the party’s general secretariat, Museveni’s nomination papers will be formally submitted on June 28. He will file two parallel applications: one for the party presidency and another for the republic’s presidency. The party’s official spokesperson confirmed that this step comes “in line with the popular will and to uphold political stability.”
Constitutional and Political Context
This nomination follows a series of constitutional amendments enacted by the ruling party over the past two decades, including:
- Abolishing presidential term limits (2005)
- Removing age restrictions for candidacy (2017)
- Expanding presidential powers in appointing judges
Local and International Reactions
- Local Opposition : Opposition leader Bobi Wine described the decision as “an institutionalization of dictatorship,” pointing to “unprecedented violations” during the 2021 elections.
- International Observers : The EU mission in Kampala expressed “concerns over the deteriorating electoral environment,” referencing reports of restricted freedoms.
- Civil Society: The organization “Youth for Change” launched a campaign under the slogan “Enough of 40 Years,” amid growing fears of increased repression.
Expected Electoral Landscape
Preliminary analyses suggest the upcoming elections may witness:
✓ Rising security tensions
✓ Increased media censorship
✓ Growing calls for election boycotts
Economic Dimensions
Uganda’s economy faces significant challenges that could impact the electoral campaign:
- Youth unemployment rate soaring to 64%
- Public debt rising to $27.3 billion
- Foreign reserves declining by 18% over the past year
Strategic Background
Uganda holds geopolitical significance due to:
- Its active role in the AU mission in Somalia
- Its position as a Western ally in counterterrorism
- Oil resources that began commercial production in 2025
Observer Predictions
African affairs experts anticipate the electoral period will see:
- Increased implicit international support for Museveni under the pretext of “maintaining stability”
- Escalating popular protests in urban areas
- Potential individual sanctions against Ugandan officials
President Museveni came to power in 1986, becoming one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
