In a bold move signaling a potential generational shift in Ugandan politics, 28-year-old David Mugabi, a professional secondary teacher and Secretary General of the Busoga Kingdom Youth Council, has officially announced his intention to contest for the presidency in Uganda’s 2026 general elections. Speaking from Speke Courts Hotel in Jinja, the proud Musoga from Mayuge District set his sights directly on challenging long-serving incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.
At just 28, Mugabi represents a new crop of leaders, many of whom have grown up entirely under President Museveni’s decades-long rule and are now seeking to redefine Uganda’s political landscape. His background as a teacher suggests a grounded understanding of societal needs, while his leadership within the Busoga Kingdom Youth Council positions him as a voice for the younger demographic and regional interests.
Mugabi’s declaration was not merely an announcement of candidacy; it was a scathing indictment of the current regime. He accused President Museveni of holding Uganda “at gunpoint,” a stark metaphor for what he described as a governance system thriving on corruption and fear. Mugabi did not hold back, asserting that the nation has “suffered for too long under a regime that thrives on corruption and fear.”
Brandishing a broom – his chosen campaign symbol – Mugabi vividly articulated his resolve to “sweep out the thieves” he claims have plundered the nation’s wealth and betrayed public trust. This potent imagery underscores his message of radical change and accountability. “I stand for a Uganda that is free, fair, and focused on the future,” Mugabi told reporters, emphasizing his commitment to a new era of governance.
Beyond the symbolic, Mugabi laid out tangible aspirations for his potential government. He pledged to ensure “all Ugandans enjoy their rights in terms of social infrastructure,” signaling a focus on improving basic services and public amenities. He also promised “better payments” for civil servants across different sectors, recognizing them as “the backbone of this country” and essential for effective governance.
A particularly striking aspect of his vision revolves around Uganda’s vast natural resources. Mugabi highlighted the potential for indigenous processing of resources like “Gold from Busia, silica from Gulu, cobalt from Kasese” – currently vital for global tech components from computers to smartphones. He proposed that Ugandan professionals, graduating from local universities, could process these resources domestically, fostering local industry, creating jobs, and ensuring that the nation’s wealth benefits its own people directly.
Mugabi’s entry into the presidential race adds a new dimension to the unfolding political drama ahead of 2026. His candidacy, though nascent, will likely resonate with a significant portion of Uganda’s largely youthful population, many of whom are yearning for fresh leadership and alternative approaches to governance. As opposition momentum builds, David Mugabi’s bold challenge sets the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes and keenly watched election cycle. While the path to State House is undeniably arduous for any challenger in Uganda, David Mugabi’s declaration marks him as a formidable new voice in the political arena, offering a vision of hope and accountability against a well-entrenched establishment.
