President Yoweri Museveni made a comeback on Monday, October 20, 2025, during a rally in Adjumani, ending weeks of speculation about his health.
Speaking to his citizens with typical vigor and confidence, Museveni thanked the people of West Nile for receiving him and revealed some of Uganda’s greatest achievements since taking office.
“I thank the people of Adjumani for their hospitality. Having finished mobilizing our people in West Nile, I demonstrate to you there is no space for doubt or space for contradiction of such facts. I thank the people of Pakwach, Nebbi, Zombo, Obongi, Madi-Okollo, Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo, Terego, Maracha, and Adjumani for good will and hospitality. Continue supporting NRM, and we shall improve,” he said.
Museveni’s absence from public events in recent weeks had fuelled rumours that he was unwell. Photos circulating online last week suggested he had been hospitalised, prompting questions about his condition.
Speculation grew on Sunday, October 19, when he skipped State burial of late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga a ceremony graced by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu. Museveni chose to send a delegation led by former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and State Minister for Regional Cooperation John Mulimba.
Museveni, in a condolence message, eulogized Raila as “a great statesman whose vision cut across Africa.”
The president was in good health on Monday’s rally, getting out of his limousine by himself and talking to crowds. He also answered questions of his party loyalists and delivered his rally address from a specially equipped vehicle.
His return to politics comes mere weeks after Uganda’s electoral commission formally declared that he will be included in the January 2026 presidential ballot. His National Resistance Movement party, which governs Uganda, cleared him in June as their flag bearer in preparation for what would maintain him in power for almost 40 years longer.
The Museveni campaign also cited Uganda’s economic growth, reciting growth figures which, in his case, showed that the country’s GDP rose from USD 34 billion to USD 66 billion in the past five years.
He has promised to take it to USD 500 billion in his second term, crediting stability and investment as the impetus.
Uganda heads to the polls on January 12. Museveni’s main challenger will once again be Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, who was also cleared to contest in September.
The musician-turned-politician remains a popular figure among young voters and is expected to give Museveni a strong challenge, as he did in the 2021 election.