The Uganda Electoral Commission has concluded the nomination process for the 2026 presidential elections, confirming eight candidates who will appear on the ballot.
The two-day exercise was held at the Commission’s headquarters in Lweza and ended on Wednesday, 24th September 2025.
Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugyenyi, announced the completion of the nomination process, stating that only the eight approved candidates will contest in the presidential election.
On the first day of nominations, Tuesday, 23rd September, the Commission cleared three candidates:
President Yoweri Museveni (incumbent)
Elton Joseph Mabirizi (Independent)
Robert Kasibante – Peasants Party
The second and final day, Wednesday, saw five additional candidates officially nominated:
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) – National Unity Platform (NUP)
Nathan Nandala Mafabi – Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
Mugisha Muntu – Alliance for National Transformation (ANT)
Mubarak Munyagwa – Common Man’s Party
Frank Bulira Kabinga – Revolutionary People’s Party
Bobi Wine’s nomination drew significant public attention, with large crowds turning out in support as he launched what he described as a “protest vote” campaign aimed at ending decades of alleged oppression and misrule.
With nominations complete, the 2026 presidential race is officially underway. All eight candidates are expected to unveil their manifestos in the coming weeks, ahead of the official campaign period, which begins on 29th September 2025.
Justice Byabakama urged all candidates and their supporters to uphold peace and focus on issue-based campaigns.
“In whatever we do, let us not disrupt the peace of this country,” he cautioned.
