Parties intensify campaigns ahead of 2026 elections

13 November 2025, 10:46 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As campaigns for various aspirants gain momentum across the country, candidates continue to make promises about what they intend to do for Ugandans if given the opportunity to serve between 2026 and 2031.

During a press briefing held yesterday, the Spokesperson of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) party, Sharon Arach, highlighted their manifesto, which was recently launched in Lira City.

“Last week, the UPC party president, Hon. Jimmy Akena, launched our manifesto in Lira City. This was to guide all UPC candidates for both parliamentary and local government positions who were also in attendance. As I said earlier, this manifesto serves as a foundation for our candidates, outlining what the party believes in,” she said.

Arach added that the party president urged members to “close the old chapter and open a new one for a lifetime, for generations, and for the nation.” He called on leaders to stop serving their personal interests and instead focus on serving the people by ensuring access to good health services, quality education, well-equipped hospitals, and improved roads, among other essential services.

“This is the message our president, Hon. Jimmy Akena, is sending to the people on the UPC ticket,” Arach emphasized. “He also reminded them to fulfill the party manifesto once voted into office. The president has pledged to support every UPC candidate—from local councils to Members of Parliament—and to campaign for them personally.”

On the matter of the party president’s ongoing court case, Arach said the party remains hopeful about a favorable outcome. It should be noted that Akena petitioned the court after he was not nominated as the UPC presidential candidate by the Electoral Commission.

Meanwhile, the incumbent Kamuli District Woman MP and First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, while addressing residents in Bugweri District, highlighted various government initiatives aimed at ensuring that everyone in Busoga joins the money economy.

Kadaga also met with ghetto youth who appealed for increased funding for their SACCOs to strengthen their livelihoods. While speaking at Magor Primary School in Iganga, the Minister for East African Community Affairs reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that Busoga University becomes fully functional, emphasizing that education remains a cornerstone for regional transformation.

According to police, campaigns are so far proceeding peacefully, with fewer incidents reported compared to 2021. Candidates will conclude their campaigns on 13 January 2026, while 15 January 2026 has been set as polling day for both presidential and parliamentary elections.