Lweza, Wakiso — The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially concluded the two-day nomination exercise for the 2025/2026 General Elections, clearing eight presidential candidates to contest for Uganda’s top office.
However, for this election cycle, no female candidate will appear on the ballot, marking a sharp contrast to previous elections where at least one woman contested.
The nominations, held on September 23–24, 2025, at the EC grounds in Lweza–Lubowa, Wakiso District, were presided over by Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and Returning Officer for Presidential Elections.
“All eight candidates were nominated in accordance with the requirements of the Presidential Elections Act, Cap 179. The nomination exercise is now officially closed,” Justice Byabakama announced.
Eight Candidates Cleared to Contest
On Day 1 of the nominations, three candidates were duly nominated: Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (National Resistance Movement – NRM), Kasibante Robert (National People’s Party – NPP), and Mabirizi Joseph (Commonwealth Party – CP).
Day 2 saw five more candidates joining the race: Nandala Mafabi James Nathan (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC), Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera (Alliance for National Transformation – ANT), Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu (National Unity Platform – NUP), Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga (Common Man’s Party – CMP), and Bulira Frank Kabinga (Revolutionary Peoples Party – RPP).
The final candidate to be nominated was Bulira Frank Kabinga, whose clearance brought the total to eight.
Absence of Women Candidates Raises Concerns
The 2026 race will be the first in two decades without a female contender. In 2021, Nancy Linda Kalembe made history as the only female candidate but lost to President Museveni. Before her, Maureen Kyalya Waluube contested as an independent in 2016, garnering 42,833 votes, or 0.43% of the total ballots cast.
So far, four women—Miria Obote (2006), Beti Kamya (2011), Faith Kyalya (2016), and Nancy Kalembe (2021)—have stood for president in Uganda’s general elections. For the 2026 polls, although several women picked up nomination forms, none successfully completed the nomination process.
As a result, the presidential race will, for the first time in two decades, feature only male candidates.
Campaigns Set to Begin September 29
The EC confirmed that the official presidential campaign period will begin on September 29, 2025, after harmonising candidates’ schedules to prevent clashes.
Justice Byabakama urged all candidates to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns: “We call upon all contestants and their supporters to adhere to the laws, respect each other, and ensure that campaigns are conducted in a manner that promotes peace and national unity.”
The campaigns will run until early February 2026, ahead of the General Election set for mid-February.
International Observers Commend EC
The nomination exercise drew the attention of diplomats and election observers, including the European Union (EU) delegation in Uganda. EU Ambassador Jan Sadek praised the EC for organizing a transparent and orderly process.
“We were honored to witness this key moment for Uganda. We wish all eight nominated candidates good luck as they begin their campaigns,” the EU Mission in Uganda stated on social media.
The Road to 2026
With nominations complete, Uganda now gears up for a fiercely contested presidential race featuring both seasoned politicians and newcomers. The incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986, will seek another term amid growing challenges from opposition figures like Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), Nandala Mafabi, and Mugisha Muntu.
However, the absence of a female candidate marks a setback for women’s political participation, with many calling for reforms to encourage more women to contest for the country’s highest office in future elections.
As campaigns begin next week, all eyes will be on how candidates address critical issues such as the economy, governance, youth unemployment, and national unity.