In 30 pictures: Museveni nominated to contest in 2026 elections

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President Yoweri Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer, was on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, duly nominated by the Electoral Commission (EC) to contest in the 2026 presidential elections.

Museveni, who arrived at about 10:00 am at the new EC headquarters in Lubowa, Kigo-Lweza, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District, was the first presidential aspirant to be nominated.

He was accompanied by the First Lady, Janet Museveni, also Minister of Education and Sports, and several senior NRM officials, who arrived in a yellow bus. This complied with EC guidelines restricting aspirants to not more than 20 people.

The President’s arrival was acknowledged by EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, who had been briefing journalists, politicians, and observers on the nomination procedures.

Museveni was ushered to his seat as his team presented his documents for scrutiny. Within minutes, he was cleared and officially nominated by Byabakama, sparking cheers and ululations from his entourage.

After the successful exercise, Museveni thanked the EC for “doing the detailed work of studying his documents and approving his candidature.” He added, “I congratulate them,” a remark that drew further applause from his supporters.

He also expressed gratitude to the NRM for re-electing him as party chairperson and flagbearer for the 2026–2031 presidential elections.

Following his brief speech, the President engaged the media in a 30-minute question-and-answer session with journalists from various outlets. The process concluded with him receiving his official security vehicles.

Later this afternoon, Museveni will meet supporters at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for a nomination rally.

NRM supporters have already begun thronging the venue, which is painted yellow and buzzing with musical performances. The rally is expected to mark the launch of his campaign in high gear.

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More pictures from President Museveni's nomination

President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni were welcomed at the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters by prominent party members. They accompanied him to the tent where his documents were verified, after which he was officially declared nominated to run for the presidency.

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Edwin Karugire, the lawyer and son-in-law of President Museveni, presented the President's documents for verification. Following the verification, Museveni was officially nominated by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

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The delegation of NRM officials who accompanied the President for the nomination arrived in a yellow bus. As directed by the EC, the number of those accompanying the President did not exceed 20.

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Observers

At the EC offices, the main tent was already filled with observers, politicians, and journalists before the first nomination. They were being briefed about the guidelines that would be followed during the nomination exercise and the programs that would follow.

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Jubilant interactions erupted after President Museveni was nominated, with party heads cheering and celebrating his clearance to contest in the 2026 elections.