Uganda’s First Lady Janet Museveni has urged voters to give her husband, President Yoweri Museveni, another term in office. She made the plea during a public address in Kampala on January 13, 2026, ahead of the general election set for January 15. “Give my husband another chance so that we can continue safeguarding the peace given to Uganda by God,” she said. “He will take this country to the first world.”
The remarks came as campaigning wrapped up, with Museveni seeking a seventh term after nearly 40 years in power.
Janet Museveni spoke at a rally organised by the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the ruling party. She stood beside her husband on stage, addressing a crowd of supporters waving yellow flags. Her words focused on stability and progress.
She highlighted the peace Uganda has enjoyed under Museveni’s leadership since 1986, when he took power after a bush war. The First Lady, who also serves as Education Minister, stressed that another term would build on that foundation. “We have come far, but there is more to do,” she added. The speech lasted about 20 minutes and drew cheers from the audience.
President Museveni, 81, faces challengers like Bobi Wine from the National Unity Platform. Wine, a former musician turned politician, campaigns on change for young Ugandans facing job shortages and inflation.
Museveni dismisses such calls, pointing to infrastructure like roads and schools built during his rule. Janet’s endorsement aims to rally women and families, a key voting group. She has campaigned actively this cycle, visiting markets and churches across the country.
Reactions came fast online. Supporters shared clips of her speech on X and Facebook, praising her as a strong partner. “Mama Janet knows what Uganda needs,” one post read. Critics saw it as out of touch.
“After 40 years, still asking for chances?” another commented. The plea echoes past elections where Museveni promised final terms but ran again. In 2005, term limits got removed, allowing his long stay.
Uganda’s election comes amid restrictions. Internet access and outbound roaming to neighbours, like Kenya, got suspended from January 13. Officials say it prevents misinformation.
Opponents call it a way to hide irregularities. Past votes in 2016 and 2021 saw similar blackouts and claims of rigging. International observers from the East African Community watch this one closely.
Janet Museveni, 77, has stood by her husband through decades. She met him during the bush war and married in 1973. As First Lady, she pushes education and health programmes. Her role in the campaign shows family unity. The couple has four children and several grandchildren.
Voters head to polls Thursday. Over 18 million registered. Security stays tight in cities like Kampala. Results could take days. Museveni leads in polls, but Wine draws crowds in urban areas.
The First Lady’s words add emotional pull. They remind supporters of the journey from war to peace. For others, they question if change is overdue.
Campaigns end today. Parties hold final rallies. Uganda waits for the outcome. This election tests Museveni’s hold. Peaceful voting remains the hope. Janet’s plea may sway some. Time shows if it works.
