Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni made a powerful return to the public stage on Monday, October 20, after weeks of speculation about his health. The 81-year-old leader addressed an enthusiastic crowd at Paridi Stadium in Adjumani, firmly putting to rest rumours that he had been hospitalised.
During his speech, Museveni appeared strong and energetic, speaking with his usual confidence as he highlighted Uganda’s recent progress under his leadership. “I thank the people of Adjumani for the warm welcome,” he said. “As I conclude engaging our people in West Nile, I thank the people of Pakwach, Nebbi, Zombo, Obongi, Madi-Okollo, Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo, Terego, Maracha, and Adjumani for their support. Continue supporting NRM, and we shall achieve even more.”
The President’s public appearance comes after a period of absence from national functions, which had fueled intense speculation across social media about his health. Photos circulated online last week claimed Museveni had been admitted to hospital, sparking widespread concern about his condition.
The rumours grew further on Sunday, October 19, when Museveni missed the state funeral of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, which was attended by several regional heads of state, including Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu. Instead, he sent a delegation led by Ruhakana Rugunda, his former Prime Minister and Special Envoy, along with John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
In his message of condolence, Museveni praised Raila as a distinguished African statesman, noting his efforts toward continental unity and democracy.
On Monday, the long-serving leader appeared in good health and high spirits, walking unaided from his vehicle before addressing supporters from a specially modified campaign truck. He even fielded questions from party members, reassuring them of his readiness for the upcoming polls.
The rally comes just days after Uganda’s Electoral Commission confirmed Museveni’s candidacy for the January 2026 General Election, extending his nearly four-decade rule. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) had already endorsed him as its flagbearer in June, signaling continuity in leadership.
Museveni’s campaign narrative has leaned heavily on economic success, with the President claiming Uganda’s GDP doubled from USD 34 billion to USD 66 billion over the past five years. He vowed to push that figure to USD 500 billion in his next term, banking on investment, infrastructure growth, and political stability.
As the country heads to the polls on January 12, Museveni faces renewed competition from Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who was cleared to run in September. The youthful opposition leader, who nearly unseated Museveni in 2021, remains his strongest challenger.
Museveni’s fiery rally in Adjumani marks a strategic show of strength, signaling to both supporters and critics that he remains firmly in control of Uganda’s political scene as the 2026 race intensifies.
