Museveni nominated for 2026 presidential race

23 September 2025, 5:05 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, has today nominated the incumbent President Yoweri Museveni at the commission’s nomination venue in Lweza–Lubowa, Wakiso District, after fulfilling all requirements for the post.

Following his nomination, President Museveni thanked members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for entrusting him with the opportunity to represent them in the forthcoming elections. He was accompanied by his wife, Hon. Janet Museveni, the party’s Secretary General, Richard Twodong, and other senior leaders.

“I want to thank the NRM members for entrusting and electing me as the NRM Presidential flag bearer for the 2026–2031 term. In this economy, the GDP of Uganda has doubled in the recent Kisanja from $34 billion to $66 billion. You have everything today that you lacked in the past: electricity, roads, telephones, manpower, educated people, and peace. That’s why we are being flooded by many investors because they are looking for a peaceful and profitable area where to invest,” Museveni said.

He outlined his priorities for the next term, which include:

1. Wealth creation – ensuring all Ugandans join the money economy.
2. Education – guaranteeing free education in all government primary and secondary schools.
3. Infrastructure – timely tarmacking of roads and maintenance of murram roads.
4. Crime – strengthening NRM structures to fight crime and impunity.
5. Corruption – intensifying efforts to eliminate it.
6. Health – improving immunisation and preventing theft of drugs.
7. Water – expanding access to safe and clean water.

Later, while addressing supporters at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, Museveni urged Ugandans to support all NRM candidates in the upcoming general elections. He also pledged to work with party leaders to create more jobs for citizens.

Among those who congratulated the President was Kissa Steven, the Member of Parliament for Luuka South Constituency. He called upon Museveni to reconcile with supporters of former Speaker Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, describing her as a strong pillar in the NRM. He also highlighted the need to operationalise Busoga University to create jobs and fight ignorance in the region.

The Electoral Commission will conclude the presidential nomination exercise tomorrow, with candidates including Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Nandala Mafwabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) expected to be nominated. Other aspirants may still be added to the list if they meet the qualification requirements