The electoral landscape for Uganda’s 2026 General Elections began to take shape today as the Electoral Commission officially concluded the first day of presidential nominations, confirming three key candidates. Incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM), along with Kasibante Robert of the National People’s Party (NPP) and Mabirizi Joseph of the Conservative Party (CP), have all successfully met the nomination criteria.
The nominations, held at the Electoral Commission headquarters, mark the formal commencement of the long-anticipated presidential contest. President Museveni, seeking a further term, presented his credentials amidst a significant show of support from his party faithful. Kasibante Robert and Mabirizi Joseph also completed their respective nominations, signaling their intentions to challenge for the highest office in the land.
Tomorrow, Day 2, will be the final opportunity for aspiring presidential candidates to submit their nominations. The Electoral Commission anticipates a further influx of aspirants eager to throw their hats into the ring. The commission has stressed the importance of adhering to all nomination procedures and requirements to ensure a fair and transparent process.
Following the conclusion of nominations tomorrow, a period of crucial coordination will ensue. Candidates will be expected to engage with the Electoral Commission to harmonize their campaign programs. This process is vital to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure that all contenders have equitable access to campaigning periods and resources.
Official campaigning for the 2026 General Elections is slated to officially kick off on September 29th, 2025. This date allows for post-nomination administrative processes and provides a clear timeline for the electorate to engage with the candidates and their manifestos. The upcoming campaign period is expected to be a critical phase, characterized by extensive rallies, debates, and public engagements as candidates vie for the votes of Ugandans.
As the election cycle gains momentum, the nation watches closely to see who will ultimately emerge as the final contenders and what the ensuing campaign season will bring. The successful nominations today have set the stage for what promises to be a closely watched and significant electoral contest.
