Lweza — The race for Uganda’s presidency in the 2026 General Elections gained momentum on Wednesday as three prominent opposition leaders—Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Gen. Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), and Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP)—were officially nominated by the Electoral Commission (EC) at the nomination grounds in Lweza, Entebbe Road.
The nominations, presided over by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama and his team, marked the second day of the presidential nomination exercise, bringing the total number of candidates cleared to contest for the country’s top office to six.
Nandala Mafabi: “I Am Here to Fix Poverty”
The day’s events began at 10:00 AM with the nomination of Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and FDC’s presidential flagbearer. Mafabi, known for his outspoken criticism of government mismanagement, arrived at the venue after a brief standoff with police over the size of his campaign entourage.
Initially blocked for arriving with more vehicles than permitted, a compromise was later reached, allowing only two vehicles into the grounds. Despite the drama, Mafabi was successfully nominated, becoming the fourth presidential candidate to join the race.
In his post-nomination speech, Mafabi declared his focus on Uganda’s struggling economy:
“I am standing to fix the economy,” he said. “When President Museveni came to power, he said his goal was to fix security, and that has been achieved. Now, I am here to fix poverty. Ugandans deserve better lives, better jobs, and real economic transformation.”
Mafabi’s supporters, who had gathered at Kampala Road Playground in Butabika–Luzira, celebrated his nomination as he prepared for his first campaign rally later in the day.
Mugisha Muntu: “No Reason for Uganda to Be in Poverty”
Next to be nominated was Gen. Mugisha Muntu, leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) and former army commander. Arriving at the EC grounds under heavy security deployment, Muntu was nominated as the fifth presidential candidate for the 2026 elections.
In his address, Muntu criticized the government’s failure to transform Uganda’s natural wealth into prosperity for its citizens.
“There is no reason why a country like Uganda, blessed with minerals and abundant fresh water, should be in poverty,” Muntu said. “What we lack is honest leadership, disciplined governance, and a clear vision to harness our resources for all Ugandans.”
Muntu, known for his calm demeanor and emphasis on values-based politics, pledged to run a campaign focused on policy issues rather than personal attacks.
Bobi Wine: Crowds, Tension, and Arrests
The highlight of the day came in the afternoon with the arrival of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and runner-up in the 2021 presidential election.
Security was tightened ahead of his nomination, with police and UPDF personnel blocking several access roads, including Bombo Road and Lweza Junction, to control crowds of NUP supporters who had gathered in anticipation of his arrival.
Kyagulanyi, accompanied by his wife, Barbra Itungo, and top party officials, arrived at the EC grounds shortly before 2:00 PM and was duly nominated as the sixth presidential candidate for the 2026 General Elections.
However, the celebrations were marred by confrontations between security forces and NUP supporters. Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana was arrested near the nomination venue, alongside several boda boda riders, for reasons not immediately disclosed by police.
In his remarks after nomination, Kyagulanyi called for unity among Ugandans seeking change:
“Today marks another step in our struggle for a free Uganda,” he said. “We want a country where leaders serve the people, not themselves; where security forces protect citizens, not oppress them; and where every Ugandan has a fair chance at success.”
The EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama, reminded Kyagulanyi to submit his campaign roadmap by September 29 to allow the Commission to harmonize schedules for all candidates and avoid clashes during the official campaign period.
Chaos at the EC Headquarters
While the main nominations took place in Lweza, drama unfolded at the EC headquarters in Kampala, where several presidential aspirants, including Henry Byamukama and John Katumba, staged protests demanding to be cleared before the close of nominations.
Police deployed heavily to prevent disruptions, while another aspirant, Stuart Akatwijuka, announced his withdrawal from the race, citing frustration with EC procedures.
Heavy police deployment has been witnessed at the Electoral Commission offices on 7th Street, Kampala.
The Road Ahead
With the nomination exercise concluded, attention now shifts to the official campaign period set to begin on September 29, 2025. The six confirmed candidates, including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, will crisscross the country seeking support ahead of the February 2026 General Elections.
For the opposition, the entry of heavyweights like Mafabi, Muntu, and Kyagulanyi sets the stage for a potentially fierce contest as they seek to unseat Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
