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 collecting nomination forms from the headquarters in Kampala, two young women have officially joined the race for Uganda’s top office.

Today, 24-year-old Nankambwe Pollin, a law student at Uganda Christian University in Mukono, collected nomination forms to contest the 2026 presidential election. Speaking to journalists, Pollin said her primary mission is to combat corruption, which she described as one of the greatest 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 Ugandans. On my way to collect the nomination forms, we were stopped by the Special Forces Command for two hours to wait for President Museveni to pass. I believe this is unfair because the road should be equally accessible to all Ugandans. There must be free movement for everyone 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 collected nomination forms to contest the presidency. Addressing journalists at the Electoral Commission, Mpambara said she is determined to improve the living conditions of Ugandans, whom she described as being in a vulnerable state.

“My coming here to collect nomination forms is serious. I have not come to waste time, but to work for the people of Uganda who are living in very difficult circumstances. I call on everyone to join me in leading this country as the first female president,” 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. Other contenders in the race include former presidential candidate John Katumba, among others. As of today, a total of six women have collected 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 meet this requirement, in addition to paying a non-refundable nomination fee of 20 million Ugandan shillings.