Museveni Makes Appearance In Mega Rally Amid Rumours That He Is Ill
The 81-year-old leader appeared at a rally at Paridi Stadium in Adjumani on Monday, October 20, projecting his usual energy and confidence
Marvin Chege 
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has resurfaced in public after weeks out of sight, quelling mounting speculation over his health.
The 81-year-old leader appeared at a rally at Paridi Stadium in Adjumani on Monday, October 20, projecting his usual energy and confidence as he dismissed concerns about his condition ahead of Uganda’s January 2026 General Elections.
Addressing the crowd, Museveni said, “I thank the people of Adjumani for the warm welcome. As I conclude engaging our people in West Nile, I submit that there’s no question or fear of contradiction on these facts."
A massive crowd at Paridi Stadium in Adjumani, Uganda, during President Yoweri Museveni's public rally on October 20, 2025. /NRM WESTERN UG
"I thank the people of Pakwach, Nebbi, Zombo, Obongi, Madi-Okollo, Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo, Terego, Maracha, and Adjumani for the warmth and support. Continue supporting NRM, and we shall do even more," he added.
Museveni’s public reappearance followed weeks of speculation triggered by his absence from national events.
Rumours had intensified last week after viral social media photos claimed he was unwell and hospitalised in Uganda.
The chatter even peaked on Sunday, October 19, when he skipped the State burial of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, an event attended by Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu.
Museveni instead sent a delegation led by former Prime Minister and Special Envoy Ruhakana Rugunda, alongside John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation.
In his condolence message, Museveni hailed Raila as “a distinguished statesman whose vision cut across Africa.”
During Monday’s rally, Museveni appeared in good health, walking unaided from his vehicle before addressing supporters from a specially designed car. He also fielded questions from members of his party, signalling a return to his active political routine.
His appearance comes shortly after Uganda’s Electoral Commission confirmed his inclusion on the January 2026 presidential ballot—extending his rule running close to 40 years.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) had already endorsed him as its flagbearer in June, cementing his bid for another term.
As the campaign season begins, Museveni’s team has been spotlighting Uganda’s economic progress under his administration. In a recent X post, he claimed the country’s GDP had doubled from USD 34 billion to USD 66 billion over five years, pledging to raise it further to USD 500 billion in his next term through investment and political stability.
Uganda heads to the polls on January 12, where Museveni will once again face opposition pressure—most notably from Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, who was cleared to contest in September and remains one of Museveni’s strongest challengers following their tense 2021 faceoff.
