Analysts caution candidates against unrealistic promises as 2026 polls draw closer

27 November 2025, 4:29 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As Uganda moves steadily towards the 2026 general elections, political analysts have advised presidential and parliamentary aspirants to avoid making unrealistic promises that fall outside their mandate. They warn that habitual dishonesty during campaigns harms both voters and the politicians’ future careers.

Speaking in Kampala yesterday, analyst Joel Ahinda noted that the culture of making exaggerated or outright false pledges has become common among politicians, yet it ultimately erodes public trust.

“In Uganda, we have a challenge where politicians overstate promises,” Ahinda said. “It is not wrong to want to do something for your people, but if what you say when canvassing for votes is untrue, then you are doing a disservice to yourself. Uganda will not end in 2026 or 2031. It will continue until the return of Jesus Christ. Leaders should not overstretch themselves. Let them focus on what is within their ability.”

Ahinda added that there have been cases where leaders are openly embarrassed by the public after failing to fulfil promises made in previous campaigns.

Meanwhile, National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer Yoweri Museveni has concluded his Kigezi sub-region campaign trail. While addressing supporters in Kabale on Tuesday, Museveni emphasised wealth creation and job opportunities, urging voters to once again entrust the NRM with leadership so that all Ugandans can fully participate in the money economy.

In Kanungu yesterday, Museveni held a massive rally at Gwere Playground, where he unveiled a new loan scheme targeting large-scale farmers growing tea, cocoa, and coffee. He said the initiative will enable farmers to access fertilisers and repay the funds through their SACCOs after selling their produce.

“What we are going to do is provide a loan scheme for tea farmers to buy fertilisers,” Museveni said. “This will be for large-scale farmers, particularly those growing tea, cocoa, and coffee.”

On the opposition side, National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, while campaigning in Buikwe, told supporters that Uganda needs a leadership change in 2026. He argued that after nearly four decades of the current administration, citizens should not still be struggling with poor service delivery in hospitals, schools, and other public sectors. He pledged that if elected, his government would implement visible and impactful reforms between 2026 and 2031.

Other presidential candidates, including Nandala Mafabi, Gen Mugisha Muntu, Mubarak Munyagwa, Kasibante Robert, and Joseph Mabirizi, have also expressed confidence in their ability to transform Uganda if given the mandate. Their pledges range from revitalising cooperative unions to boosting the tourism sector.

A total of eight candidates are contesting for the presidency, and campaigns are scheduled to close on 13 January 2026.