2026 Uganda Election: Number of presidential aspirants rises to 88

KAMPALA - The number of presidential aspirants that have picked nomination forms for Uganda's 2026 general election increased to 88 on Tuesday (August 12).

Those who picked the forms on the second day of the exercise from the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Kampala were 37, bringing the total so far to 88.

They include the former presidential candidate, Eng Willy Mayambala, and three students under the age of 25.

The students are: Deogratius Akampurira from Uganda Pentecostal University, Voniter Nassanga from Kampala International University, and Godwin Birungi, a secondary school teacher in Rubirizi district.

Others include Dr Deo Lukyamuzi Kizito, who also picked forms in 2021 but never contested, Dr Milton Muto, and David Mugabi, a 28-year-old teacher from Mayuge district.

Mayambala, who came last in the 2021 general election with 0.15%, out of 11 candidates, pledged to provide jobs, affordable healthcare, clean solar energy and justice for all the 146 districts of Uganda.

He also promised to ensure accountability. “Each community will sign local agreements for every pledge delivered. No lies, no empty promises—just results,” he said.

Presidential aspirant Abdul Usaama Ssemwogerere (Credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

Nassanga, 20, said her mother in Karungu district will pay her nomination fee of sh20m.

“I have been raised by a single mother, and I know the problems they face. Other children under the age of 20 are getting pregnant and need justice. President Museveni should also give ladies a chance to lead,” she said.

Dr Kizito, who said he is a surgeon at Case Hospital in Kampala, promised to stamp out corruption within the first six months of his term in office through introducing tough measures.

“Then the stolen money that has been recovered will be invested in social services such as health. I will bring back sanity in the government by amending the Constitution to clip the President’s wings,” he said.

Nathan Sekyazze, 24, said his well-wishers and supporters will help him raise the money for nomination.

The aspirants also pick supporter forms and nomination guidelines for use in collecting signatures of not less than 100 registered voters from at least 98 districts in Uganda.

Others who picked forms to run as independent candidates were James Mubangizi, Santa Acayo, Peter Obaa, Arafat Nambasi, Denis Mubiru, Sheikh Abudul Usaama Semwogerere, Patrick Tusingwire Okalanga, Timothy Atuireho Kakonge, Susan Kwagala, Abel Taremwa, Peter Mutebi and Henry Bbira Kisakye.

There is also Emmanuel Mwebembezi, Hilda Tibesigwa, Pasil Opio, Vicent Segawa, Otti Okello, David Mugabi, Oscar Otim, Samson Ahabwe, Edrisa Isabirye, Hannington Muteesa, Joseph Kirunda, Arafat Nambasi, Nathan Sekyazze and Mbogo Kizito, among others.

One aspirant, Agaba Mandella, was turned away after an EC official scanned his national identity card number and found that it is registered in the name of Ismael Agaba. They are both residents of Mitooma district.

The collection of the forms is expected to end on September 24, according to EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama.

Presidential aspirant Timothy Atwireho Kakonge (Credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

The law says a person aspiring for nomination as a presidential candidate shall be a citizen of Uganda by birth, a registered voter of 18 years of age and above.

They shall submit certified copies of educational qualifications confirming that they obtained a minimum formal education of A'Level or its equivalent.

Observers say the number of presidential aspirants could increase, with the nomination dates set for September 23-24.

The collection of the forms and guidelines is being done physically at the EC head offices, located on Plot 1-3 and 5, 7th Street Industrial Area, Kampala, from 8am until 5pm on each weekday.

Byabakama said the physical collection is to allow the EC to identify and document presidential aspirants, and notify relevant authorities across the country to expect them in the field and offer them support, as may be necessary.

“An individual intending to collect nomination forms and supporter forms on behalf of a political party/organisation must present written proof of authorisation. This authorisation must be issued by the secretary general of the political party/organisation or a designated official,” the EC boss said.

Likewise, aspirants intending to contest as independents and seeking to collect nomination and supporter forms must present proof of registration as voters.