Kampala, Uganda: The long-awaited 2026 Presidential Debate organized by Nation Media Group (NMG-U) is underway at Serena Hotel, featuring real-time fact-checking and moderated by anchors Arnold Ssegawa and Priscilla Nalwoga Regina.
The debate is broadcasting live on NTV Uganda, simulcast on Spark TV, and carried on NMG radio platforms KFM and Dembe FM, reaching millions across the country.
By Sunday evening, candidates from major opposition parties had arrived, including FDCās Nathan Nandala Mafabi, ANTās Gen Mugisha Muntu, RPPās Frank Bulira Kabinga, and CPās Joseph Elton Mabirizi and NUPās Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine).
According to a candidate participation agreement signed by the participants, the debate will run for at least three hours, each allotted four minutes and 30 seconds to present their views and an additional 30 seconds for rebuttals.
Seven of the eight cleared 2026 presidential candidates were all expected to take part in the debate, but two candidates, Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party) and Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga (Common Manās Party), opted out at the last minute, leaving tonight’s debate to only 5.
The participants are expected to debate key national issues, including finance and economic growth, health and education, governance and security, and infrastructure development.
Uganda first held widely televised presidential debates in 2016. Then, President Museveni skipped the first debate but unexpectedly attended the second one a month later, joining all eight candidates across the two events.
The 2026 race features eight candidates, all party flag bearers, including Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (NUP), Gen Mugisha Muntu Oyera (ANT), Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Joseph Elton Mabirizi (CP), Frank Bulira Kabinga (RPP), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party) and Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga (CMP).
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