Another term for Museveni?

On the surface Uganda’s 2026 elections resemble those in the recent past, with the ruling party firmly in control, opposition activity restricted, and recurring political violence.

Yet the significance of this cycle lies less in the electoral outcome – which is widely assumed – but in what it reveals about a regime nearing the end of President Museveni’s long rule.

Elections have become a stage for internal competition, where political actors seek to secure influence, demonstrate loyalty, and position themselves for an uncertain post-Museveni future.

Within the National Resistance Movement – Uganda’s ruling party – chaotic and costly primaries, widespread vote-buying, and a surge in independent candidates expose deepening fragmentation.

Meanwhile, pro-regime campaigns and the carefully managed public silence of Museveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, signal behind-the-scenes succession planning.

Yet in a political system increasingly preoccupied with succession, what space remains for genuine change? For ordinary Ugandans facing economic hardship, repression, and uncertainty, what do these elections actually offer for the future?

Panel

Matthew Gichohi, Post Doctoral Researcher, CMI

Andrea Kronstad Felde, Researcher, Dept. of Government, UiB

Adrian Jjuuko, Executive Director, Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum

Moderator: Monica Kirya, Deputy Director, U4

Welcome to breakfast!