Uganda President Yoweri Museveni campaigns in the town of Kibonga, central Uganda, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. /YOWERI MUSEVENI/XUganda President Yoweri Museveni has unveiled his manifesto for the January 15 presidential election, issuing a stern warning that leadership is not something to be taken lightly.
Museveni, 81, is seeking a seventh term in office, which, if secured, would further cement his status as one of the world’s longest-serving heads of state.
A victory would extend his rule to 45 years, keeping him in power until 2031.
Speaking in Kiboga on Tuesday while on the campaign trail, Museveni said he reminded voters of the heavy responsibility that comes with leadership and the dire consequences countries face when poor decisions are made at the ballot.
“I met the children of our fighters and reminded them that elections are about trust and capability. Leadership is not a game. When a country makes wrong choices, the people suffer,” Museveni said.
He cited Uganda’s post-independence history, saying the period between 1962 and 1986 was marked by poor leadership and costly mistakes.
“That history is why decision-making must never be taken lightly. I therefore presented the NRM Manifesto for 2026–2031 with confidence. The NRM is capable. We are not jokers. What we promise, we deliver, and what we reject, we firmly reject,” he said.
Ugandans in the town of Kibonga, central Uganda, in a jubilant mood during President Yoweri Museveni's campaign on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. /YOWERI MUSEVENI/X
Ugandans in the town of Kibonga, central Uganda, in a jubilant mood during President Yoweri Museveni's campaign on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. /YOWERI MUSEVENI/X
Uganda elects its president using a two-round system, with candidates required to secure at least 50 per cent plus one vote to win outright in the first round.
The elections are overseen by the Electoral Commission of Uganda.
Presidential term limits were abolished in 2005, allowing an incumbent to run indefinitely.
Museveni’s main challenger in the presidential race is former pop star Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who is contesting on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket.
In an interview with CNN, Wine described the upcoming election as “a war against him” by security agencies, which he accused of unleashing violence on him and his supporters.
Some of his campaign rallies have been teargassed by police in combat gear riding in heavy artillery vehicles that trail his convoy throughout the campaign period.
“I believe General Museveni is using Uganda as his personal property and his family property, and he views us as his slaves,” Wine said.
NUP presidential candidate Bobi Wine campaigns in Kumi district as police keep watch from a distance, December 16, 2025 /BOBI WINE/X
NUP presidential candidate Bobi Wine's campaign convoy heads to Wiggins playground in Kumi district on December 16, 2025 /BOBI WINE/XWhen Ugandans head to the polls on January 15, Museveni will be exactly two weeks away from marking his 40th anniversary in power since he assumed office on January 29, 1986, after leading the National Resistance Army (NRA) in a successful five-year guerrilla war that overthrew the military government of General Tito Okello.
The NRA captured Kampala on January 26, 1986, paving the way for Museveni to declare himself president.
He had previously played a role in ousting the autocratic regime of Idi Amin Dada in 1979 and later formed the NRA after the disputed 1980 elections, which he said were rigged.
Museveni has remained in power largely through legal and constitutional changes, including the removal of presidential age and term limits.
Before the rise of Wine, Museveni’s most persistent challenger was his former ally and personal doctor, Dr Kizza Besigye, who has run against him four times since 2001 amid repeated crackdowns by state agencies.
Besigye is currently facing treason charges in a civilian court over the alleged ownership of illegal firearms, after his case was transferred from a military tribunal following public outcry and international pressure.
He has been in detention since November 2024.
