Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, aged 80, has officially collected nomination papers to run for a seventh term, ignoring growing calls from influential opposition leaders to step down. This move brings him closer to extending his nearly five-decade grip on power. Museveni first seized power as a rebel leader in 1986 and has since won six elections—many of which were marred by allegations of fraud and violence. His main challenger in the upcoming January 2026 election is expected to be popular musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who, along with his supporters, continues to face intense repression from state security forces.