As of September 29, 2025, Uganda’s presidential campaigns have officially launched, with eight candidates cleared by the Electoral Commission to compete in the January 12, 2026, general election. Below is a summary of key campaign highlights for each candidate, including their starting points, manifesto focuses, strategies, and notable statements or events from the initial days. Campaigns are just beginning, so these highlights emphasize launch activities and core promises. I’ve organized them by candidate for clarity.
1.Yoweri Museveni (National Resistance Movement – NRM)
Campaign Launch and Strategy: Kicked off in Kampala (Munyonyo and Makindye), a strategic choice to address weaker past performance in the capital. Plans to launch the NRM manifesto emphasizing youth support and five-year development goals. After Kampala, heads to Luweero District and northern areas like Amolatar and Dokolo.
Key Promises: Continuity and growth, focusing on economic stability, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. As the incumbent since 1986, his campaign highlights long-term achievements while promising further progress.
Notable Events: Announced candidacy in June 2025 and was formally cleared on September 23. Campaigns aim to counter opposition narratives on authoritarianism.
2.Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) (National Unity Platform – NUP)
Campaign Launch and Strategy: Started in the Busoga sub-region (Jinja, Buyende, Kamuli, Kaliro, Luuka), a stronghold where he secured strong votes in 2021. Focuses on thanking supporters and mobilizing for change. Plans to move to Bugweri, Namutumba, and Greater Masaka next.
Key Promises: Calls for “A New Uganda Now,” emphasizing social liberation, anti-corruption, youth empowerment, and ending political marginalization. Pledges inclusive economic policies and decentralized resources.
Notable Events: Rallied with supporters in Jinja City on launch day. Cleared to run on September 24; past campaigns faced arrests and protests. Positioned as a progressive force against the ruling regime.
3. Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC)
Campaign Launch and Strategy: Began in Buikwe District, near Jinja, then moves to Buvuma Island, Iganga, Kamuli, Buyende, and western districts like Bundibugyo and Kasese.
Key Promises: Focuses on democratic reforms, economic equity, and challenging NRM dominance. Aims to appeal to disillusioned voters in opposition strongholds.
Notable Events: As FDC’s candidate, his campaign leverages the party’s history of opposition activism amid internal party dynamics.
4. Robert Kasibante (National Progressive Party – NPP)
Campaign Launch and Strategy: Launched in Mityana District, followed by Kassanda, Mubende, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo, Fort Portal, Kabarole, Ntoroko, and Bundibugyo.
Key Promises: Emphasizes progressive policies on development, social welfare, and regional equity.
Notable Events: Focuses on western Uganda to build grassroots support in areas with mixed political leanings.
5. Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party – CP)
Campaign Launch and Strategy: Starts on the third day in Kiboga, then Kyankwanzi, Hoima, Kikuube, Ntoroko, and Kyenjojo.
Key Promises: Conservative values, stability, and anti-corruption measures. Running for the second time, aims to appeal to traditionalist voters.
Notable Events: Positions campaign as an alternative to major parties, focusing on central and western regions.
6. Maj Gen Gregg Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation – ANT)
Campaign Launch and Strategy: Begins on the second day in Kawempe and Kampala Central, then western districts like Mitooma, Rubirizi, Ntungamo, and eastern areas like Namayingo and Bugiri.
Key Promises: National transformation through good governance, military reform (drawing from his background), and inclusive policies.
Notable Events: As a former military figure, his campaign highlights discipline and change in urban and rural areas.
7. Mubarak Munyagwa (Common Man’s Party – CMP)
Campaign Launch and Strategy: Started in Kawempe with prayers at Bwaise Mosque and a manifesto launch, then Bugweri, Bugiri, Jinja, and Iganga.
Key Promises: Represents the “common man” with bold reforms, including abolishing Swahili as an official language in favor of French.
Notable Events: Addressed supporters in Kawempe on launch day, criticizing mainstream languages and policies.
8.Frank Kabinga Bulira (Revolutionary People’s Party – RPP)
Campaign Launch and Strategy: Began in Bugiri, followed by Luuka, Kayunga, Kiboga, Buyende, and Hoima.
Key Promises: Revolutionary changes in governance, focusing on people’s rights and economic justice.
Notable Events: Targets eastern and central regions to mobilize grassroots revolutionaries.
Overall, campaigns are harmonized to avoid clashes, with a focus on regional strongholds and key issues like youth, economy, and governance. Analysts note rising tensions and media strategies amid concerns over authoritarianism. For real-time updates, monitor ongoing rallies and social media.
