KAMPALA: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has sought nomination for a seventh term, bringing him closer to five decades in power.

Museveni, now 80 years old, continues to defy calls for retirement amidst concerns about veering into authoritarianism with minimal opposition within his ruling National Resistance Movement party.

Museveni first seized power as head of a rebel force in 1986 and has been elected six times since.

However, recent elections have been marked by violence and allegations of vote rigging.

His main opponent in the previous election was Bobi Wine, an entertainer and popular figure who has also announced his candidacy for the January 2026 polls.

Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has seen numerous associates arrested or go into hiding as security forces targeted opposition supporters.

Museveni dismisses Wine as 'an agent of foreign interests' and accuses him of being untrustworthy with power.

Despite frequent arrests on various charges, Wine maintains that his campaign remains nonviolent.

In the past, Museveni criticized African leaders who remained in office for extended periods.

However, Uganda's lawmakers removed the last constitutional obstacle to a potential life presidency by abolishing age limits for him.

Museveni's son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has expressed his desire to succeed his father, raising concerns of hereditary rule.

Long-time opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been jailed since November on alleged treason charges that his lawyers claim are politically motivated.

Besigye, a retired colonel and physician, previously led the Forum for Democratic Change party, which was once Uganda's most prominent opposition group.

Uganda has never witnessed a peaceful transfer of power since gaining independence from Britain in 1962.