Pakistan, June 29 -- KAMPALA - Uganda's long-serving President Yoweri Museveni has officially declared his intention to run in the upcoming 2026 elections, aiming to extend his rule beyond 40 years.

In a statement posted on social media late Saturday, Museveni said he had "expressed my interest" in becoming the presidential flag bearer for his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. He has been in power since 1986 after leading a successful guerrilla war.

Although critics have accused him of using state security and patronage to retain control, Museveni insists he seeks reelection to transform Uganda's economy. "I aim to grow the country to a $500 billion economy in the next five years," he claimed. Uganda's GDP currently stand...