The ruling National Resistance Movement has unveiled President Museveni’s 2026 presidential campaign poster has Uganda’s strongman extends his rule beyond 40 years next year .
Led by the NRM First National Vice Chairperson Moses Kigongo and party Secretary-General Richard Todwong, the party officials officially launched their boss’s campaign poster at the party headquarters on Tuesday .
Mr Museveni, who is making 76 years in September has been at the helm of Uganda’s politics since January 1986 positioning among the long serving presidents in Africa and the world . I came to power through a guerilla war which lasted five years and first ruled for four years before organizing elections in 1996.
During the 1996 election which he won with a big margin , Museveni’s main opponents included Paul Ssemogerere of the Democratic Party ,JEEMA’s Muhammad Mayanja and others .
He secured re-election in 2001, defeating opposition figures such as Dr Kizza Besigye, who would later become his most persistent challenger.
The 2006 elections saw Museveni again defeating Besigye, amid debates over constitutional amendments and removal term limits, cementing the NRM’s grip on power .
In 2011, Museveni faced Besigye for a third time, while other candidates like Norbert Mao and Olara Otunnu also contested. Museveni’s campaign focused on infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and regional security, resonating with many Ugandans and ensuring his re-election.
The 2016 elections again saw Museveni,,Besigye and former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and others go head-to-head, with Museveni again emerging as winner . A year later , Museveni plotted the removal of age limit (70 years) from the constitution to cement his participation in 2021 .
During the 2021 elections new figures came on board including singer-turned politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Museveni still retained the presidency, highlighting his achievements in governance, security, and development, even as calls for political reforms and youth inclusion grew louder across the country.
Over the decades, Museveni’s political ideals have revolved around stability, decentralization, economic modernization, and the consolidation of state institutions. Over 100 aspirants have already picked nomination forms to challenge Museveni .