Nandala, Bobi, and Muntu among eight duly nominated presidential candidates

24 September 2025, 3:43 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag bearer, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has officially been nominated to contest in the 2026 general elections, promising to revive Uganda’s struggling economy if elected.

Mafabi, nominated at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Lubowa, Wakiso District, thanked his party for entrusting him with the mandate to lead in the presidential race. He was accompanied by FDC President General Patrick Oboi Amuriat and other senior party officials.

“I want to thank my party for giving me this opportunity to represent them in the coming general elections. Now that I am duly nominated, I promise to ensure that we resolve the country’s economic challenges. As it stands, the economy is not performing well, but under FDC leadership, we shall work tirelessly to restore it,” Mafabi said.

The FDC candidate also reiterated the party’s pledges to create more jobs, improve agriculture, boost industrialisation, construct better roads, and implement strategies to eradicate poverty if entrusted with leadership.

On the same day, the president general of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Gen. Mugisha Muntu, also secured his nomination. He called on Ugandans to maintain peace during the election period and urged voters to give ANT the opportunity to address challenges such as poverty and unemployment through job creation.

National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, was nominated alongside his wife, Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi, and senior party officials. Addressing journalists, Kyagulanyi expressed confidence in victory.

“I want to encourage our supporters and all Ugandans that, though we have faced several challenges and tribulations, we must not stop striving to bring change. Our country is not poor, and we should seize the opportunity to realise its potential,” he said.

Meanwhile, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President General Jimmy Akena protested the Electoral Commission’s decision to dismiss his nomination, arguing that the commission erred in declaring him ineligible as UPC leader. He vowed to challenge the ruling in court.

Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama confirmed the conclusion of the nomination exercise, declaring the process successful. He announced that seven candidates had been nominated to contest the 2026 presidential election. These include President Yoweri Museveni, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Robert Kyagulanyi, Mugisha Muntu, Mubarak Munyagwa, Elton Mabirizi, and Kasibante Robert.

Campaigns are scheduled to commence on 29 September 2025, with the Electoral Commission expected to release the official campaign roadmap following consultations with all candidates.