By Kabuye Ronald
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been officially nominated as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate for Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
He arrived at the Electoral Commission grounds in Lweza, Lubowa along Entebbe Road at 9:55 a.m., accompanied by First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni and a delegation of NRM party officials.
Museveni submitted all required documentation, including academic credentials, a certificate verifying signatures, proof of the mandatory Shs 20 million nomination fee, a copy of his national ID, voter identification, and details of his official campaign agent.
After verifying the documents, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama declared Museveni duly nominated and handed him a soft copy of the national voters’ register.
“I want to thank the NRM members for once again showing strong trust in me and electing me as the NRM chairperson,” Museveni stated. He emphasized Uganda’s economic progress under his leadership, noting that the country has transitioned into a lower middle-income economy.
He highlighted that Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had nearly doubled over recent years, growing from $34 billion to $66 billion, despite various global and domestic challenges. “Doubling GDP in one term is not easy, but this is what we have achieved,” Museveni said, attributing the progress to sustained investments in peace, electricity, infrastructure, telecommunications, and human capital development.
Justice Byabakama also assigned a security detail to oversee the President’s safety during the campaign period.
In his closing remarks, Museveni expressed gratitude to both the Electoral Commission and the NRM party for their continued trust in his leadership. He also pointed to the Commission’s new headquarters as a reflection of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation since 1986.
Looking ahead to the 2026–2031 term, Museveni outlined his priorities, which include commercialization of agriculture, promotion of artisanship, strengthening of manufacturing and services sectors, and advancement of ICT.
Museven has now proceeded to address supporters gathered at Kololo ceremonial grounds following his nomination.
