Sun Jun 29 16:38:14 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has announced his intention to run for re-election in the upcoming January 2026 presidential election. He aims to extend his rule to nearly half a century. Museveni stated his goal is to grow Uganda’s economy to $500 billion in the next five years. His main challenger is expected to be pop star-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who contested the 2021 election results. Museveni’s long rule has been marked by constitutional changes that allowed him to stay in power and allegations of using security forces and patronage to maintain control.

**News Article:**

**Museveni to Seek Re-Election, Aiming for Half-Century Rule in Uganda**

**KAMPALA -** Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has announced his intention to run for re-election in the upcoming January 2026 presidential election, potentially extending his reign to almost half a century. The 80-year-old leader, who has been in power since 1986, declared his candidacy via social media, stating his desire to be the presidential flag bearer for his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

Museveni defended his decision to seek another term by claiming he aims to grow Uganda’s economy to $500 billion in the next five years. Uganda’s current GDP is approximately $66 billion.

The veteran leader’s long rule has been marked by controversy. The ruling party has twice amended the constitution to allow him to remain in office. Human rights activists accuse Museveni of using security forces and patronage networks to suppress dissent and maintain his grip on power, accusations he denies.

The upcoming election is likely to pit Museveni against Bobi Wine, the pop star-turned-politician who challenged him in the 2021 election. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has already confirmed his intention to run and continues to dispute the results of the previous election, alleging widespread irregularities, including ballot stuffing and intimidation. The upcoming elections will also see voters electing lawmakers.

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