Uganda’s long-awaited presidential nominations for the 2025/2026 General Elections have officially concluded, marking a key milestone in the country’s electoral calendar. The exercise took place on 23rd and 24th September 2025 at the Electoral Commission (EC) grounds in Lweza, Lubowa, Wakiso District, with eight candidates successfully nominated to contest the presidency.
On the first day of nominations, three candidates were confirmed. Incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM), was formally nominated alongside Robert Kasibante of the National People’s Party (NPP) and Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP). Their entry set the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.
The second day saw five more candidates join the race. These included James Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), and opposition leader Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP). The remaining nominees were Mubarak Sserunga Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party (CMP) and Frank Kabinga Bulira of the Reform Party of Uganda (RPP).
The nomination process, overseen by Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, adhered to the Presidential Elections Act, Cap 179, ensuring that all candidates met the legal requirements to run for the highest office in the country.
With nominations complete, the official campaign period is set to begin on 29th September 2025. Candidates will engage with voters, present their manifestos, and seek support across the country. The Electoral Commission will coordinate campaign schedules to guarantee a fair and orderly electoral process.
As the nation prepares for the campaigns, Ugandans are anticipating one of the most competitive and closely watched elections in recent history. The field includes a mix of seasoned politicians, emerging challengers, and diverse political ideologies, making the 2026 race a critical test of Uganda’s democratic processes.
The conclusion of nominations also marks the start of public debates and discussions about the country’s future leadership. As candidates take to the campaign trail, citizens will have the opportunity to evaluate their options and actively participate in shaping Uganda’s political direction.
With campaigns set to kick off in a few days, all eyes will be on the candidates to see how they mobilize support and address the aspirations of Ugandans ahead of the 2026 elections.
