Museveni Makes Confident Return at Adjumani Rally, Confirms 2026 Run

 

 Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 81, made a confident and energetic public appearance on Sunday during a rally in Adjumani, dispelling recent speculation about his health and reaffirming his intent to seek re-election in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

Addressing a large crowd of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters, Museveni appeared in good spirits—walking unaided and delivering his speech with his trademark vigor. The rally marked his first major public appearance following his notable absence from the state burial of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, which had sparked concerns about his well-being.

"I want to thank the people of West Nile and the entire country for your continued support," Museveni said, calling for unity and backing for the ruling NRM party. "We’ve made great progress, but there is still work to do."

The country’s Electoral Commission recently confirmed that Museveni will officially be on the ballot for the January 2026 elections, seeking to extend his presidency into a fifth decade. Having first taken power in 1986, Museveni is now one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

His campaign is expected to center on themes of economic growth, national stability, and regional security, pointing to Uganda’s infrastructure projects, oil development, and agricultural modernization.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi—better known as Bobi Wine—is preparing for another major electoral challenge, promising a renewed push for democratic reforms, youth empowerment, and an end to what he calls authoritarian rule.