Veteran President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has governed Uganda since 1986, is widely expected to run for a seventh consecutive term in the general elections scheduled from 15 January to 6 February 2026. Museveni was nominated in July 2025 as the sole candidate of the ruling National Resistance Movement, a move that cemented his path to the ballot after constitutional changes removed term and age limits. Muhoozi is widely viewed as a favored eventual successor, and has publicly expressed a desire to lead. Economically, the government points to potential gains from forthcoming oil production as a factor that could reshape Uganda’s growth trajectory during a next term. Whether the election produces an accepted result or a further consolidation of power will have consequences not only for Uganda’s democratic trajectory but for stability and governance across the East African region.

Source: ABC News January 12, 2026 21:21 UTC