President Museveni was officially nominated as a presidential candidate for the 2026 election on 23 September 2025 at the Electoral Commission offices in Lubowa for his seventh term in office ahead of the 2026 general elections. Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson, confirmed that he had fulfilled all nomination requirements for Presidential candidates
 

The President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Kainembabazi Museveni together with the members of the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), in a show of solidarity from senior party leaders and members as he embarked on his campaign journey. After receiving his nomination, He thanked the NRM members for entrusting him as the NRM flag bearer for the period of 2026 to 2031 then proceeded to address the media. President Museveni's campaigns will run under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”.