Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has formally nominated himself to run for a seventh term in the January 2026 election, extending a rule that has lasted nearly four decades.

Museveni, 79, seized power in 1986 following an armed uprising and has since become Africa’s fourth-longest-serving leader. His government has twice amended the constitution by removing age and term limits to allow him to stay in office. By voting day, he will be 81 years old.

His main challenger will once again be Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, the 43-year-old pop star-turned-politician who has built a large following among Uganda’s youth. Wine, who is expected to be nominated on Wednesday, has already declared the election a “protest vote” against what he calls systemic failures and state repression. He continues to reject the 2021 election results, citing ballot stuffing, intimidation, and the heavy presence of security forces around his campaign.

Rights groups accuse Museveni of using patronage and force to maintain his grip on power. He denies the allegations, insisting his longevity reflects popular support. At a press conference on Tuesday, Museveni said another five-year mandate would allow him to focus on restoring public safety, fixing infrastructure, expanding health care, and strengthening free education. He also pledged to “get rid of corruption.”

The opposition People’s Front for Freedom, linked to veteran politician Kizza Besigye, will not field a presidential candidate. Besigye, who has long accused Museveni of rigging elections, remains in detention after being repatriated from Kenya last year and charged with treachery and illegal possession of firearms. Party spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju said it may support another opposition candidate if consensus is reached.

Alongside the presidential race, Ugandans will also elect members of parliament, setting the stage for a tense and highly consequential vote.