LIST: Eight confirmed for 2026 presidential race; no female, no independent candidates

Kampala, Uganda: The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially cleared eight candidates for Uganda’s 2025/2026 Presidential Elections, following nominations held on September 23 and 24 at the EC grounds in Lweza-Lubowa, Wakiso District.

The conclusion of the two-day nomination exercise marks the official start of the 2026 presidential race, with the campaign period scheduled to kick off on Monday, September 29, 2025.

The exercise was presided over by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the EC Chairperson and Returning Officer for Presidential Nominations.

The Eight Cleared Candidates include;

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM): Seeking a seventh term, Museveni is fronting a campaign anchored on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and anti-corruption. In power since 1986, his leadership faces criticism over authoritarian tendencies and human rights concerns.

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) (National Unity Platform – NUP): A prominent opposition leader and former pop star, running on an anti-corruption and good governance platform. His campaign appeals strongly to Uganda’s youthful and urban electorate.

Nandala Mafabi (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC), a veteran opposition figure, is promising institutional accountability, transparency, and stronger democratic reforms while former FDC leader and retired Gen. Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation – ANT) advocates for national unity, inclusive development, and a peaceful transition of power.

On the other hand, Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga, formerly of the FDC, is carrying the flag for the newly formed Common Man’s Party (CMP) with a spirited push for constitutional reforms, civil liberties, and accountable governance.

Also on the ballot is Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party – NPP), who is pushing for agrarian reforms, rural empowerment, and decentralization of agricultural policies, while his counterpart, Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party – CP), is campaigning on conservative values and traditional social policies.

The last candidate is Frank Kabinga Bulira (Revolutionary Peoples Party – RPP), whose campaign is focused on political and economic reforms, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.

Who Missed Out?

Among those locked out this cycle are prominent former contenders, including John Katumba, Joseph Kabuleta, Willy Mayambala, and Nancy Kalembe.

Katumba, remembered for his energetic independent campaign in 2021, failed to meet the EC’s requirements this time. Kabuleta, the former NEED party leader, was also dropped, though details remain unclear. Mayambala and Kalembe, who both contested in 2021, were similarly unable to secure clearance.

The EC faced scrutiny over its handling of the nomination process. Of the 220 forms picked, only 38 were returned for verification.

But EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi questioned the over 190 aspirants who failed to return their forms, urging accountability for taxpayer resources. Critics, however, argue that the two-day nomination window was too limited, creating structural barriers for many aspirants.

Notably, the 2026 race will proceed without a female candidate—breaking a two-election streak where women like Nancy Linda Kalembe (2021) and Maureen Kyalya (2016) carried the mantle of female representation.

Since Miria Obote’s historic run in 2001 as the first woman presidential candidate, female contenders such as Beti Kamya, Maureen Kyalya, and Nancy Kalembe have symbolically challenged Uganda’s patriarchal political order. The lack of female participation in 2026 raises concerns about gender parity at the country’s highest level of leadership.

The 2026 elections are shaping up as one of Uganda’s most contested polls, highlighting a generational and political divide. Political observers expect heated rallies, intense mobilization, and shifting alliances as candidates prepare for the January 12, 2026, general elections.