Uganda Sets January 15 as Date for Next General Election

Uganda’s Electoral Commission has announced 15 January as the date for the country’s general elections. President Yoweri Museveni, aged 81 and in power since 1986, will seek re-election, extending his rule as Africa’s fourth longest-serving leader.

Museveni, whose government removed both age and term limits, is credited with bringing stability and economic growth but faces strong criticism over authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses.

His main challenger is Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), a popular musician-turned-politician who is mobilising Uganda’s youth vote. Wine previously contested the 2021 election, alleging widespread electoral fraud, which the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) denies.

Six other candidates will also contest the presidency, while Ugandans will elect new members of parliament on the same day.