Uganda 2026 Presidential Showdown Begins

Uganda’s 2026 presidential campaign officially begins, as both ruling and opposition forces make bold moves toward next January’s vote

On August 19, 2025, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) officially backed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as its candidate. Senior party figures, including Al‑Hajj Moses Kigongo and Richard Todwong, unveiled his campaign portrait—signaling the formal start of his re-election bid.

Just a day earlier, on August 18, leading opposition parties joined the race. The National Unity Platform (NUP) and Democratic Party (DP) rallied around David Lewis Rubongoya and Joel Ssenyonyi (NUP), along with DP leaders, to collect nomination forms from the Electoral Commission.

The NUP stunned observers with its campaign slogan: “New Uganda Now.” The party pledged democratic reform and vowed to guard against electoral tampering, citing past instances of raids and theft.

Commission figures show the race is crowded—by the previous evening, 177 candidates had already picked up nomination forms.

Museveni Launches Seventh-Term Campaign

Museveni, who has governed since 1986 and will be 81, accepted his candidacy with promises of continuity, stability, and development. His long tenure—extended through constitutional changes—continues to draw criticism from human rights groups.

Opposition Mobilizes Under ‘New Uganda Now’ Banner

Opposition voices responded forcefully. Rubongoya emphasized defending the integrity of the process: “We are coming back with new energy… We hope history does not repeat itself,” referring to past campaign interference. Joel Ssenyonyi demanded: “Security must step back and let people participate fully.”

Legal Pushback Against Repression: On August 13, NUP filed a petition aiming to nullify a law reinstating military courts for civilians, citing concerns over fairness and past suppression.

Bobi Wine Surges as Key Challenger: Opposition leader Bobi Wine, who garnered strong support in 2021, confirmed he plans to run again. He faces an increasingly perilous political environment, with reported threats to his life tied to Museveni’s son, army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Election Day Confirmed: The Electoral Commission has scheduled the general election for January 12, 2026, where Ugandans will also choose lawmakers under the two-round system.