Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni will stand for reelection in the January general poll, a senior ruling party official confirmed, signalling the continuation of his nearly 40-year tenure.

In a video posted on Monday by state broadcaster UBC, Tanga Odoi, chairperson of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) electoral body, said, “The president … will pick (up) expression-of-interest forms for two positions, one for chairperson of the party and the other to contest if he is given chance for presidential flag bearer.”

The January election will also see voters elect lawmakers. Museveni, 80, became Africa’s fourth longest-serving leader after coming to power in 1986. His party has twice altered the constitution to remove presidential term and age limits.

The NRM and other parties are currently vetting and clearing their candidates. Museveni’s principal challenger is expected to be pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, who finished runner-up in 2021 and has already declared his intention to run in 2026. Wine rejected the 2021 results, alleging ballot stuffing, security-force intimidation, and other irregularities.

Critics and rights activists accuse Museveni of using patronage and the security forces to entrench his rule, charges he denies, insisting his longevity reflects popular support.

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