Presidential hopefuls face off in Kampala as Uganda marks World Aids Day

1 December 2025, 11:14 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Uganda’s presidential candidates met yesterday at Serena Hotel in Kampala for a debate organised by the Nation Media Group. The moderators, Arnold Segawa and Priscilla Nalwoga, allowed each candidate to give opening remarks before the discussion began.

Some attendees were not impressed by the debate. Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko described it as looking more like a revision session than a genuine debate. He said the candidates appeared to be reading from scripts and seemed well-prepared in advance.

President Yoweri Museveni did not attend. The candidates present included Frank Bulira, Nandala Mafabi, Robert Kyagulanyi, Mugisha Muntu, Kasibante Robert, Joseph Mabirizi, and Mubarak Munyagwa.
When asked whether they would support Robert Kyagulanyi in the race, the candidates responded differently.

Mugisha Muntu said ANT is open to discussions and possible cooperation with NUP. Frank Bulira acknowledged Kyagulanyi’s contribution to the struggle but argued that he himself is better placed to lead the country.

Nandala Mafabi stated that popularity through music or other means cannot determine who is the best leader. Joseph Mabirizi said he had met Kyagulanyi several times and invited him to cooperate but never received a clear response.

All the candidates asserted that they believe they can lead Uganda if elected on 15 January 2026.

Today, Uganda joins the world in marking International AIDS Day. Recently, during Philly Bongole Lutaaya Day, the Uganda AIDS Commission Director-General, Dr Nelson Musoba, stated that Uganda has made progress but still needs to do more to reduce new infections and combat stigma. Rt Rev. Sheldon Mwesigwa also called on religious and community leaders to support HIV prevention and care, emphasising the importance of collective effort for Uganda to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.