Museveni nominated for 2026 Presidential elections

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was on Tuesday officially nominated as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer for the 2026–2031 term, reaffirming his leadership of the ruling party and setting out an ambitious agenda for Uganda’s next chapter of growth.Speaking shortly after his nomination, Museveni reflected on the country’s remarkable transformation since he first took power in 1986.

“Where we are moving to now is to again convince the people of Uganda of what has been achieved in the past, and what we are planning to do next,” he said.

The President outlined two central “thrusts” for the coming term.

The first is to partner with Uganda’s expanding middle class and international investors to propel the nation from its current lower–middle-income status to a high–middle-income economy, ultimately advancing toward first-world standards.

“If you check the figures, the GDP of Uganda has doubled—from about $34 billion to $66 billion. To double the size of GDP in one term is not a mean achievement,” Museveni noted, attributing the surge to improved infrastructure, electricity, telecommunication, and a highly educated workforce.

Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s stability continues to attract global investment.

“People in the world are looking for a peaceful and profitable area where to invest,” he said, highlighting Uganda’s reputation as “peaceful, profitable,” and resilient.

His second priority targets “mass issues”—ensuring ordinary citizens benefit from economic gains. Key pledges include involving every Ugandan in the money economy, providing free education for all children in government schools, maintaining and repairing roads on time, strengthening healthcare by guaranteeing essential medicines, and delivering safe water to every village.

“Everybody must be involved in the money economy,” Museveni stressed, underscoring that inclusive growth will be the backbone of his next administration.

The NRM leader is expected to elaborate on these priorities during a major address at Kololo Grounds later in the day, signaling a campaign built on both the achievements of the past and a promise of deeper socio-economic transformation.

The President was accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, Members of the party Central Executive Committee, NRM Secretary General  Richard Todwong and his team, as well as Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and other ministers among others.

Requirements for Nomination

A person aspiring for nomination as Presidential Candidate shall be a citizen of Uganda by birth, a registered voter, of 18 years and above. He/she shall submit certified copies of educational qualifications confirming that he/she obtained a minimum formal education of Advanced (A) Level or its equivalent.

The aspirant’s nomination shall be supported by not less than one hundred (100) persons who are registered voters, from not less than ninety-eight (98) districts, which form two thirds (2/3) of all the districts/cities of Uganda.

Aspirants must also fulfill all other requirements as listed in the Guidelines, in order to be successfully nominated.

1. Nomination Paper (In Triplicate);
2. Declaration by Candidates (Consent to Nomination);
3. Proof of minimum Formal Education of Advanced Level Standard or its equivalent;
4. Proof of registration as a voter for the candidate, the proposer and the seconder;
5. Three (3) Recent Post Card Size Photographs of the Proposed candidate;
6. Proof of compliance with Section 10(1) and (1)(b) and (3) of the Presidential Elections Act, Cap. 179;
7. Certificate of Compliance issued by the Electoral Commission;
8. Proof of payment of a Non-refundable nomination fee of Ug. Shillings 20,000,000/=
9. Selection of Symbol (for Independent aspirants only);
10. Appointment of Official Agent;

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