Museveni Confirms 2026 Presidential Bid Vows $500bn Economy in Five Years
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has officially announced his intention to run for re-election in 2026, potentially extending his nearly 40-year hold on power. The 80-year-old leader, who has ruled the East African nation since seizing power in 1986 after a civil war, made the declaration on Saturday, stating he had submitted interest to become the presidential flag bearer of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Museveni pledged to transform Uganda’s economy from its current $66 billion GDP to a staggering $500 billion within five years — a promise that has raised eyebrows among economists and critics alike. The announcement sets the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in next January’s elections, with opposition leader and pop star-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, confirming he will also contest. Wine rejected the outcome of the 2021 election, alleging widespread fraud and security force intimidation. Uganda’s political climate remains tense following controversial parliamentary approval of a law allowing military courts to try civilians — a move critics say is aimed at silencing dissent. The Supreme Court earlier ruled such trials unconstitutional, but the government claims they are essential for national security. Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, have long accused the Museveni administration of using security forces and the judicial system, particularly military courts, to target opposition figures. Museveni denies the accusations. As the nation heads toward another contentious electoral cycle, many Ugandans and observers are watching closely to see whether Museveni’s economic promises and political maneuvers will secure him yet another term in office.