KAMPALA, UGANDA – Fifty-one Ugandans officially began their campaigns for the 2026 presidency yesterday, picking up nomination forms from the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters.
Of the aspirants, 45 are men and six are women. According to EC officials, a significant number of young people, including university students and recent school leavers, showed up on the first day of the exercise.
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EC Deputy Spokesperson Paul Bukenya said the first day was successful, with only minor challenges. “The candidates have understood the requirements,” Bukenya said. “The majority followed the correct procedures—presenting proof of nationality and voter identification.”
Four of the aspirants are from registered political parties, while the rest are independents. The forms must be returned two weeks before the nomination dates, which are scheduled for Sept. 23 and 24.
The list of aspirants included both familiar and new faces. Among them were Pastor Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party, who ran in 2016, and John Katumba, who ran in 2021. Other candidates included Robert Mutono Mbulambago, who proposed splitting Uganda into two, and Faith Namusana, a commercial and international human rights lawyer.
Young aspirants who picked up forms included Wycliffe Wasajja, 24, a Business Administration student; Alvin Mobile, 24, a law student; Pauline Nankambwe, 24, a law student; Sam Koojo, 25; and Jorine Najjembe, 20, a Senior Six vacationist.
