KAMPALA .The ruling National Resistance Movement flag bearer and incumbent President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni has been nominated as a candidate in next January General Election, extending his rule that has spanned nearly four decades.
The 81-year –old former Marxist arrived at the Electoral Commission’s Lweza nomination grounds accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, the NRM First National Vice Chairperson Moses Kigongo, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, and other senior party officials.
Museveni, who shot his way to State House in January 1986 anchored his candidacy around continued stability and Uganda’s economic transformation.
After his nomination, President Museveni addressed Journalists and pledged to “deepen efforts to safeguard and advance Uganda’s hard-won gains, ensuring steady progress for every citizen.”
In his long stay in power , Museveni his criticized for restricting political freedoms and stifling growth of multiparty democracy by buying out key opposition politicians .
His main challenger Dr Kizza Besigye during the 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016 presidential elections is currently incarcerated on treason charges.
However, his tenure has seen some remarkable investments in infrastructure, expansion of social services, and economic reforms –which some observers say may propel towards middle-income status. After Museveni being nominated, other four contenders already cleared by EC are also lined up to get nominated today and other will follow suit on Wednesday. These include National Unity Platform(NUP) ‘s Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, Nathan Nandala Mafabi of Forum for Democratic Change , Elton Joseph Mabirizi of Conservative Party among others .