Uganda: Presidential campaign kicks off as Museveni seeks seventh term
The presidential election campaign of Uganda officially begins Monday, September 29, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between longtime leader Yoweri Museveni and opposition challenger Bobi Wine.
The Electoral Commission has approved eight candidates from 38 applications for the January 12, 2026 ballot. Among them is 81-year-old incumbent Museveni, who has ruled since 1986 and is now pursuing a seventh term.
The president pledges to maintain national security and economic prosperity based on his nearly four-decade track record.
His main opponent remains 43-year-old musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who has emerged as a powerful voice for change, particularly among the youth of Uganda.
In a country where three-quarters of the population is under 35 according to UN data, Wine’s influence is substantial. His platform emphasizes job creation, improved education, and anti-corruption measures.
The 2021 election saw Museveni secure 58% of votes against Wine’s 35%, but the contest was marred by violence that claimed over 50 lives during protests and unrest.
As the campaign season opens, questions linger about whether this election will prove more peaceful and whether Uganda’s predominantly young electorate will shift the country’s political landscape after decades of Museveni’s leadership.
The outcome could mark a pivotal moment in East African politics.
