From Museveni to Munyagwa: Meet the eight faces in race for Uganda’s Presidency

Kampala, Uganda: Uganda’s 2026 presidential race has officially taken shape with eight candidates cleared by the Electoral Commission to contest for the country’s highest office. The line-up features long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, leading opposition figures, and new entrants seeking to reshape Uganda’s political landscape.

Below, we take a grand look at each of the candidates’ profiles in brief

Yoweri Museveni – NRM

At 81, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is seeking a seventh elected term under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). In power since 1986, Museveni remains one of the world’s longest-serving leaders.

Museveni’s campaign message focuses on sustaining economic growth, poverty reduction, infrastructure, and social services. Born in Ntungamo in 1944, Museveni has been a central figure in Uganda’s political and military history for five decades.

Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) – NUP

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine, returns for a second bid after his high-profile challenge in 2021. The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, musician, and activist has positioned himself as the face of Uganda’s youthful opposition, emphasizing governance reform, democracy, and fighting corruption.

At 43, Bobi remains Museveni’s most formidable challenger, with strong grassroots support across urban and peri-urban constituencies.

Nathan Nandala Mafabi – FDC

Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament from 2011 to 2014, is running under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The 59-year-old accountant, lawyer, and long-time legislator from Sironko District is campaigning on transparency, financial reforms, and rebuilding Uganda’s institutions.

Nandala’s candidacy represents FDC’s bid to reclaim relevance after years of internal strife and defections.

Mugisha Muntu – ANT

Gregory Mugisha Muntu, retired army commander and leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), presents himself as a principled, values-driven candidate. Known for his calm style and emphasis on accountability, Muntu, 66, argues that Uganda needs honest leadership to convert wealth into prosperity.

This is his second presidential bid, with ANT aligning with opposition blocs to consolidate strength.

Mubarak Munyagwa – CMP

Mubarak Munyagwa, former Kawempe South MP and ex-Mayor of Kawempe, is contesting under the newly formed Common Man’s Party (CMP). The lawyer and firebrand politician, popularly called Mugati gwa Bata, broke away from FDC in 2024.

Munyagwa’s campaign is targeting ordinary Ugandans with promises of affordable living, social justice, and resistance to elite-driven politics.

Robert Kasibante – NPP

At 37, Robert Kasibante is among the youngest contenders. He represents the National Peasants Party (NPP), closely associated with musician Stecia Mayanja. A businessman and vocational trainer, Kasibante is banking on a youth-focused agenda, skills development, and rural empowerment. Despite past legal challenges, he brings a fresh generational voice into the race.

Joseph Mabirizi – CP

Joseph Elton Mabirizi, nicknamed Mabreeze, makes a comeback after contesting in 2016. Running on the Conservative Party ticket, Mabirizi, an engineer and evangelist, blends religious rhetoric with a populist message. At 54, his platform emphasizes tackling corruption and defending marginalized youth. His nomination marks the CP’s return to the presidential race.

Frank Bulira – RPP

Frank Bulira Kabinga, a 43-year-old teacher-turned-politician, enters the race under the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP). He is also leader of the Uganda Federal Democratic Organization (UFDO). Advocating for federalism, governance reforms, and the end of Museveni’s rule, Bulira is running a grassroots-driven campaign. His nomination capped the EC’s process, making him the eighth and final candidate.

Uganda’s Oldest Party Missing in Action

Notably absent from the list is the Democratic Party (DP), which has historically contested every election since independence. Analysts link its silence to the 2022 NRM–DP cooperation agreement that saw DP President Norbert Mao and other leaders join Museveni’s government.

The move has left Uganda’s oldest political party without a flagbearer for the first time in decades.

The 2026 elections are shaping into a three-tiered contest: Museveni as the establishment candidate, Bobi Wine and opposition heavyweights as the main challengers, and a new generation of smaller-party candidates adding diversity to the race.

With security, economic recovery, youth unemployment, and governance dominating public debate, voters face one of the most competitive electoral fields in Uganda’s recent history.