• President Yoweri Museveni seeks re-election, aiming for a seventh term after 40 years in power.
• Opposition leader Bobi Wine, cleared to run, represents a younger generation seeking change.
• Museveni's party has faced criticism for authoritarianism and human rights violations.
• The electoral climate remains tense, with allegations of intimidation against opposition supporters.
• The election is set for January 2026, marking another pivotal moment in Ugandan history.

Uganda’s long-time leader, President Yoweri Museveni, officially launched his bid for re-election in January 2026, aiming to extend his presidency, which began in 1986. With over 2 million supporters backing him, Museveni emphasized his role in stabilizing Uganda and promoting economic growth, despite facing criticism about human rights abuses and political suppression. Notably, he removed age limits for presidential candidates in 2017, allowing himself to seek another term, according to Africanews and Reuters.

His main rival, Bobi Wine, a musician-turned-politician, has also been cleared to contest in the election. Wine captured 35% of the vote in the previous election in 2021 and has accused Museveni of electoral fraud, leading to an increased following among young voters disillusioned by the long-term incumbent. The Electoral Commission confirmed his candidacy, further heating up the already charged political atmosphere, as reported by Al Jazeera and Africanews.

Museveni’s campaign themes include focusing on boosting economic reforms and public safety, while Wine aims to represent a new wave of political change advocating for the needs of working-class communities. Observers anticipate a dramatic confrontation as both leaders mobilize their bases ahead of the January elections, highlighting generational divides in Ugandan politics, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

As the political landscape is further shaped by accusations of intimidation against opposition activists and fears regarding electoral integrity, many Ugandans remain apprehensive about the forthcoming election’s fairness. This election represents a crucial juncture for Uganda and may significantly alter its political trajectory, with Bobi Wine portraying himself as the champion of a new generation against Museveni's entrenched rule, according to Africanews.