On the streets of Kampala, 2026 is more than just a year; it’s another chance for many Ugandans to elect a new president for the first time since 1986, with hopes of resolving longstanding systemic challenges such as poor service delivery rooted in corruption and governance failures. For others, however, it is the year to safeguard the gains accumulated over the decades. As the nation stands at this crossroads, the 2026 general elections are here to shape Uganda’s future.
The elections, including the presidential race, are commencing on January 12, 2026. The presidential election will conclude by February 9, 2026, marking President Museveni’s seventh presidential nomination and election since 1996. The 2026 Uganda election also marks the fifth since the removal of the presidential two-term limits in 2005, and the second election since the removal of the upper age limit of 75 in 2017. These constitutional changes have enabled the modern-day king😂 to extend his candidacy and leadership since 1986.
With only eight (8) presidential candidates officially nominated by the Electoral Commission from a pool of eighty-eight (88) who submitted nomination forms, the 2026 general election campaigns are set to run from September 29 to January 9, 2026.
During this period, presidential contenders, often alongside their respective aspiring Members of Parliament, will tour the country, laying out their vision, platform, and policy proposals, and in some cases, handing out cash to secure votes. Over the years, this campaign season has become the most chaotic period in Uganda, marked by threats, abductions, and disputes over the final election results. Against this backdrop, it’s worth knowing at least a little about these presidential candidates.
#1. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine)
Political Party: National Unity Platform (NUP) | Born: February 12, 1982 (Age: 43)
One of the acclaimed “Big 3” of the Ugandan music industry, stage name HE Bobi Wine, and leader of the popular “People Power, Our Power” movement, he entered active politics in 2017 by winning the Kyadondo East parliamentary by-election as an independent candidate. The 2026 election marks Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s second presidential bid, following his 2021 campaign in which he placed second behind Museveni, a performance that solidified his national prominence.
#2. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa
Political Party: National Resistance Movement (NRM) | Born: September 15, 1944 (Age: 81)
Yoweri Museveni has been Uganda’s president since January 29, 1986, after leading the National Resistance Army (NRA) in a five-year guerrilla war that overthrew General Tito Okello Lutwa, who had taken power from Milton Obote in a 1985 coup. In 1996, Museveni won Uganda’s first direct presidential election under the “no-party” system, against Paul Ssemogerere (not the Archbishop) and Kibirige Mayanja. The 2026 election marks Museveni’s seventh presidential bid, following his 2021 campaign against Bobi Wine.
As of 2025, Museveni is the third-longest serving non-royal national leader globally. His extended rule has been characterised by both significant economic development and criticisms over corruption, suppression of political opposition, authoritarianism, and human rights concerns.
#3. Nandala Mafabi James Nathan
Political Party: Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) | Born: January 17, 1966 (Age: 59)
Nandala Mafabi is a seasoned Ugandan accountant and politician who has represented Budadiri West Constituency in Parliament since 2001. A prominent member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) since 2005, he has served as the party’s general secretary since 2015 and as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament between 2011 and 2020. The 2026 election marks his first presidential bid, drawing on his finance background and long-standing advocacy for accountability.
Nandala Mafabi is also a board member of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and has worked as a consultant with both institutions since 2001.
#4. Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera
Political Party: Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) | Date of Birth: 1958 (Age: 66)
Mugisha Muntu is a retired Ugandan military officer, politician, and one of the founding members of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), where he served as Party President from 2012 to 2017. In 2018, Muntu and other allies departed FDC over ideological differences and founded the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) in 2019, under which he contested the 2021 presidential elections. He is one of the eight presidential candidates for the 2026 general elections. His campaign underscores principled leadership, institutional reform, and national unity. Watch NTV’s latest on Mugisha Muntu
#5. Mubarak Munyagwa
Political Party: Common Man’s Party | Date of Birth: 1979 (Age: 46)
Popularly known as Mugaati Gwa Bata, Mubarak Munyagwa is a Ugandan lawyer and politician who served as Member of Parliament for Kawempe South from 2016 to 2021, a position he lost to Kazibwe Bashir in the 2021 elections. During his tenure, he chaired the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).
Considered a protégé of Dr Kizza Besigye, Munyagwa emerged into the national spotlight while serving as the Mayor of Kawempe for his active role in the 2010 “Walk to Work” national protests against rising fuel and food prices, led by Besigye. Since then, he has been recognised as an outspoken activist with a long history of participation in demonstrations advocating for political change in Uganda.
In 2025, Munyagwa made a strategic political move by rebranding the dormant Uganda Economic Party into the Common Man’s Party (CMP), following a series of media appearances where he signalled his 2026 Presidential bid. After his nomination, the witty and charismatic Munyagwa outlined his vision for the country, emphasising justice, economic reform, and the release of political prisoners, including Dr Kizza Besigye, within his first 100 days in office.
Munyagwa is also credited with mentoring the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, who went on to win the Kawempe North Constituency seat in 2021.
#6. Elton Mabirizi Joseph
Political Party: Conservative Party (CP) | Date of Birth: July 1975 (Age: 50)
Joseph Mabirizi is a Ugandan politician and engineer, best known for his 2016 presidential bid under the Independents Coalition (TIC), where he registered a modest performance. In 2025, he returned to the presidential race as the Conservative Party (CP) flagbearer.
#7. Frank Kabinga Bulira
Political Party: Reform Party of Uganda (RPP) | Date of Birth: [Not publicly available]
Frank Kabinga Bulira is a Ugandan politician and the presidential candidate for the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP) in the 2026 general elections. He leads the party, continuing the legacy of its late founder, Dr Aggrey Kiyingi. Bulira’s campaign emphasises federalism, decentralisation, and systemic reforms across infrastructure, education, health, governance, and security, positioning himself as a proponent of a fresh approach to Uganda’s leadership.
#8. Kasibante Robert
Political Party: National Peasants Party (NPP) | Date of Birth: [Not publicly available]
Robert Kasibante is a Ugandan politician and the first-term presidential candidate for the National Peasants Party (NPP) in the 2026 general elections. He is the founder and managing director of Victory School of Beauty and Hospitality Management. Kasibante holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Makerere Business School. His campaign focuses on empowering youth, women, and the community through skills development and providing employment opportunities.
More on the candidates will be added soon. In the meantime, you can join our WhatsApp Channel for updates!
