Two young women pick nomination forms for Uganda’s 2026 presidential race

11 August 2025, 7:35 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following last week’s announcement by Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama that presidential aspirants can begin picking nomination forms from the headquarters in Kampala, two young women have officially joined the race for Uganda’s top seat.

Today, 24-year-old Nankambwe Pollin, a law student at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, picked nomination forms to contest in the 2026 presidential election. Speaking to journalists, Pollin said her main mission is to fight corruption, which she described as one of the biggest obstacles to Uganda’s development. She urged citizens to vote for her, promising to lead with integrity under her campaign theme “A Corrupt-Free Society.”

“I have come to fight corruption and inequality among citizens of Uganda. When I was coming here to pick nomination forms, we were stopped by the Special Forces Command for two hours just to wait for President Museveni to pass. I think this is unfair because the road should be used equally by all Ugandans. There must be free movement for all the people within the country,” she said.

Pollin added that if given the opportunity to serve, she would implement numerous reforms to improve the country, expressing confidence that she is the right candidate for the job.

In the same spirit, Yvonne Mpambara also picked nomination forms to contest for the presidency. Addressing journalists at the Electoral Commission, Mpambara said she is determined to change the living conditions of Ugandans, who she claimed are in a vulnerable state.

“My coming here to pick nomination forms, I mean it. I have not come here to waste time, but to work for the people of Uganda who are living in a very terrible situation. I request that all those out there join me to lead this country as the first woman to be on that position,” she said.

She added that if entrusted with the presidency, she would not disappoint Ugandans in any way.

It should be noted that since Uganda’s independence in 1962, the country has never had a female president. Others in the race include former presidential candidate John Katumba, among others. As of today, a total of six women have picked presidential nomination forms.

According to the Electoral Commission, all aspirants must collect signatures from eligible Ugandan voters in at least 98 districts, with a minimum of 100 signatures per district. They have one month to fulfill this requirement, in addition to paying a non-refundable nomination fee of Uganda Shillings 20 million.