Kampala, Uganda: The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has revealed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will not participate in the upcoming 2026 presidential debate organised by Nation Media Group through NTV Uganda, citing scheduling conflicts and lack of prior coordination with the Electoral Commission.
In a statement issued Thursday night, the NRM said it only received an invitation on November 21, 2025, long after the Electoral Commission had approved the candidates’ campaign programme.
“For the record, the NRM only received the invitation on 21st November 2025, long after the @UgandaEC had approved the candidates’ campaign programme,” the ruling party said. “Such a debate was neither brought to the prior consideration of the candidates nor included in the EC-approved programme. Our Presidential Candidate is therefore not preparing to participate in any such debate.”
The development means President Museveni’s only appearance at a presidential debate remains that of 2016 when he faced Dr Kizza Besigye and other candidates. If he had accepted, this would have marked his second debate appearance since the introduction of presidential debates in Uganda. The last attempt to host debates in 2021 was unsuccessful.
Bobi Wine, Nandala Mafabi Confirm Attendance
In contrast, the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, who is widely seen as Museveni’s main rival for the country’s presidency, confirmed he will attend, using the opportunity to challenge the incumbent’s record.
“I will be there to share our vision for a New Uganda and to challenge Dictator Museveni on whatever new lies he wants to tell the people of Uganda after 40 years of deception and failed promises,” Kyagulanyi said.
On the other hand, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) also announced that its presidential flagbearer, Rt. Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi will take part in the debate scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025.
“This is yet another opportunity for us as FDC to explain to Ugandans how we plan to fix the economy and put money in people’s pockets,” the party said on Friday evening. “Our candidate will also explain to Ugandans why he is the best choice to carry Uganda forward.”
Several other presidential aspirants, including Mugisha Muntu (ANT), Elton Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants’ Party), Frank Bulira (Revolutionary People’s Party) and Mubarak Munyagwa (Common Man’s Party), had not confirmed participation by press time.
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