KAMPALA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Legislators from Uganda's ruling party have endorsed incumbent president Yoweri Museveni to run for the presidency in 2021.

A statement from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, issued on Sunday, said the NRM parliamentary caucus endorsed Museveni, who is also NRM chairman, during their retreat in Kyankwanzi, central Uganda.

They said Uganda needs Museveni now more than ever before for his firm guidance and mentorship.

The legislators' endorsement follows an earlier decision by the party's Central Executive Committee, which also endorsed Museveni to run.

Museveni has been in power for more than 30 years.

Legislators in 2017 voted to remove the age limit of 75 years for running for the presidency. Museveni is now 74.

The final decision for Museveni to run will be taken by a delegates' conference of the party.