- Anticipation is building for Uganda’s 2026–2031 presidential contest, with insiders naming a diverse field of 13 probable contenders.
- Incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM) aims to extend his 40-year tenure, while opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi “Bobi Wine” Ssentamu (NUP) continues to galvanize youth and urban voters.
Although it’s quite still early to confirm who will appear on the final presidential ballot, various names have already popped up along the perennial ones that we all know will contest unless otherwise. As per political insiders, analysts and circulating campaign posters, the individuals below are expected to run for President. It’s expected that some may still drop out while new names may appear but below is a snapshot of so far the probable lineup of the presidential aspirants in next year’s general election:-
- Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
Position: Incumbent President (since 1986).
Party: National Resistance Movement (NRM)
Profile: The NRM chairman is Uganda’s longest-serving leader as this current term will mean that he’s ruled 40 years. He’s also a key figure in East African politics as well as the African continent. The 1986 bush war mastermind has consistently secured re-election and is expected to run again in 2026. This is despite growing calls for transition which he’s always brushed aside. Museveni who is now 80 years old brings a legacy of stability, infrastructure development, and military experience. His government has also faced criticism on human rights and governance. - Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine)
Position: Leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP)
Background: Bobi Wine is a former musician turned politician. He was the main challenger in the 2021 elections and garnered over 35% of the vote. The former Kyadondo East MP represents majority of the youth, urban voters plus a rising wave of opposition. He’s known for mobilizing mass support through social media and grassroots structures. As of now, Bobi Wine is Mr. Museveni’s biggest threat and competitor and the competition is expected to be tough between the two. - Mugisha Muntu
Position: President, Alliance for National Transformation (ANT)
Background: Muntu is a former Army Commander and also ex-FDC president. He’s well known for discipline and ‘clean politics.’ In 2021, the Ntungamo born Muntu ran for president but with modest returns. He nonetheless continues to attract voters looking for issue-based, non-confrontational leadership and this is his strongest attribute. - Erias Lukwago
Position: Lord Mayor of Kampala
Party: National Executive Chairman of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF)
Status: Undecided — Erias Lukwago is still the incumbent of the Kampala lord mayor seat and it’s not yet clear if he will vacate it to chase the big seat.
Profile: Lukwago is a seasoned city politician and a respected legal mind. He has consistently spoken out on national issues and could pose a significant challenge if he chooses to contest. His linkage to former four time presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye is an added advantage not forgetting some of the political bigwigs in the PFF - Kidega Michael
Profession: Lawyer, public figure
Affiliation: Independent
Profile: Kidega is one of the new faces in presidential politics, with a legal background. His national visibility is apparently still limited, and his electoral strength remains to be tested. But as they say, try and fail but don’t fail to try. - Joseph Kabuleta
Position: President, National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED)
Background: Kabuleta is a former sports journalist and pastor. He contested in 2021 and ran a campaign centered on financial freedom and national resources but the returns were nowhere near positive. He’s well known for his economic reform messaging and strong criticism of the elites. - Nsereko Muhammad
Position: Member of Parliament, Kampala Central
Party: The Ecological Party
Profile: A charismatic, articulate and media-savvy politician. Nsereko has become known for switching between government critique plus strategic independence. If he at all decides to run, he may appeal to urban voters and young professionals. There are currently reports that he might merge with Hon Mathias Mpuuga’s Democratic Front to boost the party numbers. - David Magezi
Profession: Educator, motivational speaker
Affiliation: Unknown/Independent
Profile:This is another newcomer to presidential politics. His national influence is still growing, and his campaign message has yet to fully emerge reason for his limited visibility. - Nancy Kalembe
Profession: Businesswoman, former Miss Uganda contestant
Background: She ran in the 2021 elections as the only female candidate and looks like she will return in the 2026 general election as per reports. Kalembe is an advocate for clean leadership. She places emphasis on family values and women’s empowerment. Therefore, she will likely represent a moderate, reformist voice again in 2026 but her strength looks to still be shaky. - Akatwijuka Stuart
Profession: Public figure, youth advocate
Profile: This young man is largely unknown in national circles. He however maybe likely appealing to some youthful demographics. For now no much details are known about him but his campaign may focus on youth participation and anti-corruption. - Patrick Amuriat Oboi
Affiliation: President, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
Profile: As the current president of the FDC and a seasoned politician, he’s got a good stamping in the presidential race. He participated in the previous election but his returns were so poor especially for a party that was known to be Uganda’s face of change.
The recent crisis of the Najjanankumbi party in the past five years with scandals might work in the favor of his competitors. - Nandala Mafabi
Position: Secretary General, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
Background: Nandala Mafabi is a veteran politician from Eastern Uganda. He’s Also the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament. The Budadiri West County MP has has strong grassroots mobilization ability but remains tight-lipped on presidential ambitions. This is largely due to the fact that FDC is yet to decide on who will run for office between him and Amuriat Oboi. If he contests, he could represent a considerable opposition bloc. Besides, he’s also a strong candidate in the Bugisu region. - Stephen Elwangu
Profession: Emerging political figure
Profile: Elwangu is another relatively new name on the national scene. He’s still building recognition and structures. He’s therefore likely to appeal to alternative or regional constituencies.
While this article gives the impression of a highly competitive election, political analysis suggest that the main contest could ultimately revolve around President Yoweri Museveni and Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). This will be a continuation of the 2021 battle.
However, other candidates like Mugisha Muntu, Joseph Kabuleta, and potentially Erias Lukwago (if he confirms) could shape the outcome of opinion, split votes, or even form strategic alliances as has been observed before.
With the 2026 general election drawing closer more formal declarations are expected. But until then, this list remains speculative although it is insightful for observing Uganda’s changing political field.
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It should be noted that the Electoral Commission revealed that picking nomination forms for the Presidential Candidates will run between 23rd-24th September 2025.
