President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa has been formally nominated by Uganda’s Electoral Commission to run in the 2026 presidential election on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket.
The announcement was made in Lubowa, Wakiso District, by Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Commission. He confirmed that the president, now 81, had met all the requirements under the Presidential Elections Act.
“President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been duly nominated in respect of the Presidential Elections, 2026,” Justice Byabakama said. He added that Museveni had “fulfilled the nomination requirements under the Presidential Elections Act, Cap 179.”
The Commission instructed Museveni’s campaign team to submit its schedule of rallies and media engagements in order to harmonise programmes with other candidates. His team also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Commission, pledging to follow campaign timelines and guidelines.
As part of the legal process, the national voters’ register was handed over in soft copy to Museveni’s official agent.
Following the nomination, Museveni addressed supporters and expressed gratitude to both the Commission and his party members. “I thank the Electoral Commission for doing the detailed work of studying the documents and approving our candidates,” he said. “It is a lot of work, a lot of paperwork, and I congratulate them.”
He also praised NRM members “for again showing trust in me” by endorsing him as party chairperson and flagbearer for the 2026–2031 term.
Reflecting on his leadership since 1986, Museveni pointed to Uganda’s transformation over the decades. “Back in 1986, this was a coffee shamba. Today, if you look at the satellite pictures, you can see how much has changed. That speaks more than just talking,” he told the crowd.
First Lady Janet Museveni released a statement congratulating her husband: “I warmly congratulate you, Mzee, on your nomination to serve the people of Uganda once again. I give glory to God for granting you the grace, health, and wisdom to lead our nation.”
Later in the day, thousands of NRM supporters gathered at Kololo Independence Grounds for a rally under the theme Protecting the Gains. Museveni outlined his campaign priorities, including free education for children from poor families, improved road maintenance, safe water access for villages, stronger healthcare, and tackling corruption.
“We now have electricity, roads, telephones, educated manpower, and peace,” he said. “That is why Uganda is attracting more investments. The challenge ahead is to make sure that all our people benefit from this progress.”
With his nomination secured, Museveni joins the list of candidates cleared to contest the 2026 race — extending a political journey that has shaped Uganda for nearly four decades.
