Presidential Campaign Commences in Uganda Ahead of 2026 Election 

On Monday, September 29, Uganda opened its presidential campaigns ahead of the general election set for January 14, 2026. The election will feature a showdown between long-serving President Yoweri Museveni against opposition figure Bobi Wine and other contenders in a race that will test Uganda’s political and democratic resilience.

81-year-old Museveni who has been in power since 1986, is seeking another term that would extend his rule to almost five decades. The electoral commission has cleared his candidacy, despite ongoing criticism that his long tenure has limited political freedom. His strongest challenger, musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, has also been approved to run under the National Unity Platform, a party that has gained support from many young voters in Kampala and other urban areas.

The reaction varies across the country. Some farmers in rural areas express hope for a leadership that will help reduce rising food prices and inflation. In the capital, the youth say they want a government that listens to their concerns. This reflects the tension between hope and caution that characterizes every election cycle.

The electoral commission has promised a transparent vote, but many remain skeptical. Security forces have warned against what they label illegal gatherings, raising fears of a repeat of the 2021 elections, when clashes between opposition supporters and police resulted in numerous deaths. Civil society groups are urging authorities to uphold rights and maintain open spaces for political expression in the coming weeks.

Many Ugandans view the election as a test of whether President Museveni’s nearly 50-year rule will end, creating space for other candidates and the possibility of a more democratic government, though doubts about his commitment to democracy persist due to past actions such as reinstating military trials for civilians.

As the rallies grow and campaign caravans spread throughout the country, ordinary citizens prepare for a heated season. The months leading up to the election will not only test the nation’s political stability but also the aspirations of millions who see this election as a decisive moment for their future.