President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is set to officially declare his intent to run for a seventh presidential term as he picks nomination forms from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat today, Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The highly anticipated move signals the beginning of yet another election cycle for Uganda’s longest-serving leader, now in his 39th year in power.
At nearly 81 years old, Museveni remains a central figure in the country’s political landscape and continues to command significant support within the ruling party and across many regions of the country.
By picking nomination forms, Museveni is seeking to retain two powerful positions NRM national chairperson and the party’s presidential flag bearer cementing his continued dominance over both the party apparatus and Uganda’s broader political direction.
Museveni first came to power in 1986 after years of political instability and armed struggle. His supporters credit him with restoring peace, investing in infrastructure, and steering Uganda through economic transformation.
However, his long rule has also drawn growing criticism, with increasing concerns over democratic space, press freedom, and the use of security forces to suppress dissent.
The past several election cycles have been marred by allegations of electoral irregularities, human rights violations, and shrinking political freedoms.
Despite this, Museveni remains the NRM’s undisputed leader and picking forms today essentially sets him on a path toward what would be a historic seventh term in office if elected in 2026.
With the political atmosphere already heating up, Museveni’s re-entry into the race is likely to further energize both his supporters and rivals ahead of the 2026 general election.
NRM’s internal processes are also underway. According to Dr. Tanga Odoi, chairperson of the party’s Electoral Commission, nominations for key positions on the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) the NRM’s top decision-making organ will be held on July 4.
