20100829
reuters

KAMPALA (Reuters) - Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will contest next year's presidential poll, trying to extend a presidency that started in 1986, a statement from his office said on Sunday.

He will also seek election as chairman of his National Resistance Movement (NRM) party at its national conference in mid-September, the statement added.

It quoted Museveni as asking a crowd in western Uganda to support him in both races, confirming widespread expectations in the east African country, which discovered commercial oil deposits in 2006, that he would stand.

"People with disabilities are embracing my candidature for chairman and Presidential flag bearer for NRM, I put in my nomination forms, so I can now ask for your support," he said.

One of the longest-serving presidents in Africa, Museveni rose to the top of Ugandan politics when his then National Resistance Army (NRA) insurgents seized power from a short-lived military junta.

The early years of his presidency drew wide praise from the west and effusive support from Ugandans for its respect for the civilian population, prudent and liberal economic management and commitment to the rule of law.

In the past decade, support among the people has begun to ebb and relations with the west have frayed on mounting accusations by the opposition and human rights observers that his leadership has turned despotic and corrupt.