Adjumani, Uganda – October 21, 2025

After weeks of swirling rumours about his health, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni returned to the public eye on Monday, addressing a packed rally in Adjumani District.

The 81-year-old leader, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, appeared energetic and composed as he spoke for nearly an hour at Paridi Stadium, effectively quelling speculation that he had been hospitalised.

“I thank the people of Adjumani for the warm welcome,” Museveni said to loud applause. “As I conclude engaging our people in West Nile, I submit that there’s no question or fear of contradiction on these facts… Continue supporting NRM, and we shall do even more.”

His speech — marked by his familiar mix of humour, command, and policy reflection — was part of his ongoing regional engagements ahead of the January 2026 General Election.

Rumours and Absence

Museveni’s absence from recent state functions had triggered a wave of speculation across social media. Unverified reports claimed he had been taken ill and was being treated in hospital.

The rumours peaked over the weekend after the president skipped the State burial of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, an event attended by regional leaders including Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

In Museveni’s stead, a delegation led by former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and Minister of State for Regional Cooperation John Mulimba represented Uganda.

‘Raila Was a Pan-African Statesman’

In his condolence message, Museveni described Raila Odinga as “a distinguished African statesman whose vision and courage transcended national boundaries.”

His absence at the funeral, however, fed public speculation until his reappearance in Adjumani on Monday, where he appeared in good spirits — walking unaided from his car, waving to supporters, and delivering his speech from a specially designed podium.

Eyes on 2026 Elections

Museveni’s comeback rally comes just days after Uganda’s Electoral Commission confirmed that he will appear on the January 2026 presidential ballot, extending his nearly four-decade rule.

In June, his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) endorsed him as their official flagbearer. Party insiders say he remains the strongest candidate to retain power.

Museveni has anchored his campaign on economic growth and stability, frequently citing Uganda’s expanding GDP. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he claimed the nation’s GDP had doubled from USD 34 billion to USD 66 billion over five years — with a target of USD 500 billion in the next term.

“We have built a strong foundation,” he wrote. “Uganda will continue to grow with peace and unity.”

A Familiar Rival Awaits

Museveni is expected to face renewed pressure from the opposition, led by Robert Kyagulanyi, better known by his stage name Bobi Wine.

The musician-turned-politician, who challenged Museveni in the 2021 election, was officially cleared to run again in September. His movement, which draws strong support from younger Ugandans, continues to frame itself as a generational alternative to the long-serving leader.

Analysts say Museveni’s rally was as much a show of strength as a response to critics questioning his ability to lead.

“He wanted to project vitality,” said a Kampala-based political commentator. “For Museveni, visibility is power — and this rally reasserted that.”