Uganda’s 80-Year-Old President Museveni Seeks Seventh Term, Nominated Unopposed by NRM After Nearly 40 Years in Power

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, aged 80, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2026 presidential polls, aiming for a seventh term in office. Museveni has been in power since 1986, making him one of Africa's longest-serving leaders with nearly four decades of continuous rule. He formally picked nomination papers as the candidate for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and was nominated unopposed as both the party chairperson and presidential flag bearer for the upcoming elections. This move would extend his tenure closer to five decades in power.

Museveni's extended rule has drawn attention as part of a broader trend of long-standing leadership in Africa. His family holds prominent positions in Uganda's government, with his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba serving as Chief of Defence Forces and his wife Janet Museveni as Minister of Education. The 2026 election is expected to be a significant political event, with Museveni set to face opposition figures such as Bobi Wine.