Kampala, Uganda – The contest for Uganda’s presidency in the 2026 General Election officially picked up momentum today as several presidential aspirants converged at the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Kampala to collect nomination forms.
The activity follows last week’s announcement by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, who invited interested candidates or their representatives to pick up the documents ahead of the nomination period.
By mid-morning, the Commission’s offices were bustling with aspiring candidates from different walks of life, each carrying their own vision and policy priorities for the country.
Among the early arrivals was Gerald Malinga, a former Makerere University student known for selling sponges to pay his tuition fees. Malinga says his lived experience of financial hardship has fueled his ambition to lead Uganda towards economic empowerment.
“My campaign will focus on eradicating poverty, addressing food insecurity, and creating meaningful employment for young people,” Malinga said.
Another standout aspirant was Richard Tumwesigye, 24, who aims to become one of Uganda’s youngest presidential contenders. His priorities, he says, include fighting systemic corruption, improving healthcare services, and significantly increasing the national budget allocation for agriculture.
“Agriculture is the backbone of this country, yet it remains underfunded. I want to change that,” Tumwesigye said.
Also in the race is Faith Namusana, 42, a lawyer and resident of Ngora District. While collecting her nomination forms, Namusana pledged to decentralise services at both the Ministry and District levels, empower cultural kingdoms with independent budgets, and boost tax collection efficiency nationwide.
“Uganda’s development will accelerate when services and resources are brought closer to the people,” she said, adding that cultural institutions should be financially empowered to drive community-based initiatives.
Meanwhile, making a comeback is Elton Joseph Mabirizi, the Conservative Party’s flag bearer and a 2016 presidential candidate. Accompanied by party president Ken Lukyamuzi, Mabirizi announced his intention to challenge President Yoweri Museveni once again.
“We want to introduce a federal system of government that empowers regions to manage their own affairs, while also ensuring strong and independent public institutions,” Mabirizi stated.
He argued that federalism would reduce over-centralization, improve service delivery, and foster balanced regional development.
Under EC regulations, each presidential aspirant must pay a Shs20 million nomination fee and secure 9,800 signatures from at least 98 districts across Uganda within one month. Only those who meet these requirements will proceed to the formal nomination stage.
Political analysts say today’s turnout reflects growing political enthusiasm ahead of the polls, with the list of potential candidates likely to expand in the coming weeks.
Uganda heads to the ballot in early 2026, but the political temperature is already rising as familiar names and fresh faces push for the country’s top job.
Also read: Francis Babu: “Enough Is Enough, I Speak Out for Uganda’s Young People”
