President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has accepted the nomination to continue as Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and party flagbearer in the 2026 presidential election, pledging to lead Uganda into a new era of prosperity, stability, and transformation.
Addressing party members and Ugandans during the NRM nomination event held at the party headquarters at Kyadondo, President Museveni emphasized the NRM’s historic role in rescuing Uganda from political fragmentation, economic collapse, and institutional decay, and reaffirmed his commitment to accelerating the country’s journey toward a high middle-income economy.
“The NRM has been a participant and, for most of the time, a leader of the efforts to liberate Uganda from sectarian fragmentation, ensure its economic recovery, and begin the transformation of society,” President Museveni said.
Highlighting Uganda’s progress since 1986, the President noted that the economy has grown from USD 3.9 billion to USD 61 billion (foreign exchange method), or USD 172.2 billion (PPP method). With a current GDP per capita of USD 1,263, Uganda has officially attained lower middle-income status.
He also addressed the slogan “Tova Ku Main” (Do not leave the main line), saying it reflects the people's desire for steady progress and ideological clarity.
The President outlined two primary reasons for seeking re-election:
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To promote national ideological clarity around six pillars of transformation: peace, development, wealth creation, job creation, service delivery, and regional integration.
- To lead Uganda in achieving a rapid economic leap from a lower middle-income economy to a USD 500 billion high middle-income economy in the coming years—sooner than the previously set 2040 goal.
“I do not see why we cannot achieve it earlier if we eliminate corruption and are aggressive in pursuing our objective,” he remarked.
He also emphasized the need for quality leadership at all levels of government and urged party structures to focus on competence, integrity, and patriotism.
President Museveni reaffirmed the NRM’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, industrialization, value addition, and social service delivery.
“We are moving from just economic recovery to socio-economic transformation. Uganda is ready for the next leap forward,” he concluded.
Shortly after the nomination, President Museveni posted on his official X account (formerly Twitter):
“I want to thank the NRM Electoral Commission for nominating me. I hope the whole membership of the NRM and its structures will support my candidature as the Chairman of the NRM for the 2025–2031 and also as flag-bearer for the NRM in the Presidential contest for the 2026–2031.”
The nomination event marked the beginning of the NRM’s political roadmap to 2026, with the President calling on all party structures and members to remain united, vigilant, and focused on service to the people.