Elton Joseph Mabirizi, the Conservative Party flag bearer and former presidential candidate, made a dramatic return to Uganda’s presidential race on Tuesday after being officially nominated by the Electoral Commission for the 2026 General Elections.
Fondly known among his supporters as “Mabreeze”, the electrical engineer first contested in the 2016 elections as an independent candidate, garnering 24,498 votes.
Nearly a decade later, he is back in the ring, this time under the Conservative Party banner, promising what he calls a “new era of reconciliation and justice.”
Speaking shortly after his nomination at the Electoral Commission grounds in Lweza, along Entebbe Road, Mabirizi said Ugandans had “waited too long for a leader who can bring reconciliation,” pledging to give his predecessors “a safe landing” while championing fairness in governance.
“Ugandans have been waiting for a leader who can bring about reconciliation, and I am ready to take on that role. My predecessor will be given a safe landing,” he noted.
Among his first pledges if elected President, Mabirizi vowed to release all impounded boda bodas and vehicles within his first 100 days in office, a promise likely to resonate with thousands of motorists affected by long-standing traffic enforcement measures.
“Within the first 100 days of my presidency, I will ensure that all boda bodas and vehicles impounded by the police are released to their rightful owners.”
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the Returning Officer for Presidential Nominations, confirmed that Mabirizi had met all the requirements under the Presidential Elections Act, Cap 179.
With his nomination complete, Mabirizi will now receive the standard security detail assigned to all presidential candidates, including 16 guards and an official escort for his movements and residence.
The first day of nominations saw three candidates formally cleared to contest: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Kasibante Robert of the National Peasants Party (NPP), and Mabirizi Joseph of the Conservative Party (CP).
The final day of nominations is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, with more aspirants expected to submit their papers. The Electoral Commission has announced that official campaigns will kick off on September 29, 2025, after candidates harmonise their campaign programs with the Commission.
