The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) turned Kampala into a sea of yellow today as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was officially nominated to run for a seventh consecutive term in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Thousands of party supporters, donning the signature yellow shirts and waving NRM flags, flooded the streets of the capital from the early hours of the morning. Music, dance, and chants praising Museveni echoed through key parts of the city, including Kololo, Kamwokya, and downtown Kampala. Boda bodas, trucks, and buses ferried supporters from across the country to witness what the party hailed as a “historic reaffirmation” of their leader’s vision.
At the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, Museveni, now 81, was formally nominated as the NRM flagbearer amidst tight security and fanfare. Flanked by top party officials including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, Museveni handed in his nomination papers to the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama.
Speaking shortly after his nomination, Museveni thanked Ugandans for their continued trust in his leadership and vowed to “consolidate the gains” made under his government.
“This is not about me; it is about the stability, prosperity, and future of Uganda. We must protect our peace, continue the economic transformation, and prepare the next generation of leaders,” Museveni said.
Museveni first came to power in 1986 after a five-year guerrilla war and has since remained Uganda’s head of state. His decision to seek a seventh term follows years of controversial constitutional amendments, including the removal of age limits in 2017, which critics argue have paved the way for life presidency.
While NRM supporters cheered the nomination, opposition leaders and civil society groups reacted with concern. National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, released a statement calling Museveni’s continued rule a “betrayal of the democratic spirit” and warned of increased political repression.
“Ugandans deserve a new direction, not another term of the same failed leadership,” Kyagulanyi said. “We call on all Ugandans to rise up peacefully and demand change.”
Security forces maintained a heavy presence throughout the city, with roadblocks and patrols along major routes. While no major incidents were reported, some opposition supporters claimed they were prevented from organizing parallel events.
With the 2026 elections drawing closer, Museveni’s nomination sets the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested vote. Despite criticism of authoritarianism, Museveni remains popular in rural areas and continues to enjoy the institutional backing of the military and state machinery.
As the yellow flags fluttered across Kampala and fireworks lit up the evening sky, NRM leaders declared the day a “renewal of faith” in the man who has led Uganda for nearly four decades.
