President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today been nominated as a Presidential candidate in the 2026 general elections. The ceremony took place at the Electoral Commission (EC) grounds in Lubowa, Wakiso District, where Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson, confirmed that he had fulfilled all nomination requirements for Presidential candidates.
Museveni’s campaigns will run under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”.
The President, who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni together with the members of the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), arrived in a show of solidarity from senior party leaders and members as he embarked on his campaign journey.
After receiving his nomination, President Museveni proceeded to address the media, beginning by expressing gratitude to his party members for the confidence they have continued to place in him. “I want to thank the NRM members for entrusting me and electing me as the NRM flag bearer for the period of 2026/31,” he said.
Using Lubowa itself as a symbol of Uganda’s transformation, the President reflected on how far the country has come since 1986. “I am glad the Electoral Commission selected this site. I challenge the NRM media team to go and get a satellite picture of 1986, of this area which they call Lubowa, Lweza up to Bwebajja and now, then you will not have to campaign much. You Gen Z people, my comrade and supporters, you should see the satellite picture of here in 1986, this was a coffee shamba. Now when you come here, it’s amazing. The satellite picture of now and then you will not speak so many words,” he said.
Looking ahead, the NRM party flagbearer outlined two major thrusts for his campaign: consolidating Uganda’s economic gains and ensuring inclusive development. “In this economy, the GDP of Uganda has doubled from $34 billion to $66 billion. You have everything that you didn’t have in the past, electricity, the roads, telephones, manpower, the educated people, and peace. That’s why we are being flooded by many investors because they are looking for a peaceful and profitable area where to invest,” he explained, adding that Uganda today stands on peace and profitability.
President Museveni also emphasized that transformation must reach ordinary Ugandans at the grassroots. “Everyone must be involved in the money economy with ekibaaro. Number two, free education for the children of the poor in the government schools. Number three, the roads, making sure that the tarmac roads are done in time, but also the murram roads remain,” he said.
“The next one, health, the sector is doing well but the curative side is lacking sometimes. The issue of water for all the villages, must be included. Then crime, there is peace in the country but a bit of crime and impunity. The NRM structures need to come out and expose crime. And then getting rid of corruption, these ones will help all our people to enjoy the transformation going on in Uganda.”
The President further highlighted four sectors as the backbone of Uganda’s wealth creation and livelihoods. “The answer for all Ugandans, for all livelihoods, are four sectors including: commercial agriculture with ekibaaro if you have got land, manufacturing and artisanship, services, and ICT,” he said.
On land issues, President Museveni vowed to protect bibanja tenants from illegal evictions, making it clear that the law is on their side. “The Land Act is very clear, no one is allowed to evict a kibanja owner. If someone tells you to leave land you have been using, that’s abuse of your ignorance. It is illegal,” he emphasized.
He also touched on healthcare, stressing the need for preventive measures to reduce sickness and costs. “Curative health is expensive. If we focus on prevention through immunization, clean water, and lifestyle changes, we can eliminate 80% of sicknesses,” he said.
As he concluded his remarks, President Museveni underscored that his mission is not simply about continuity but about achieving Uganda’s desired transformation. “Our main work is not just work, work, but social economic transformation,” he declared.
Mr. Edwin Karugire and Senior Presidential Advisor, Political Mobilization, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga are the official agents for President Museveni in the elections.