The Electoral Commission (EC) on Tuesday successfully nominated three presidential aspirants to contest in the 2026 general elections, marking the start of a tense and highly anticipated electoral season.
The three candidates cleared on Day One include incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, long-time political activist Elton Joseph Mabirizi, and newcomer Robert Kasibante, flag bearer of the National Peasants Party (NPP).
The nomination exercise, held at the EC headquarters in Kampala, drew attention from across the country as Ugandans watched who would officially make it to the presidential ballot.
President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s longest-serving leader, was the first candidate to be nominated.
Accompanied by senior NRM officials, Museveni presented his papers and was declared duly nominated by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama.
Museveni used the moment to reflect on his 39 years in power and outline fresh priorities for the next term.
He cited Uganda’s economic progress, highlighting that the country’s GDP has nearly doubled in recent years, moving Uganda from a least-developed to a lower middle-income country.
“To double the size of GDP in one term is not a mean achievement,” Museveni told supporters after his nomination. “We must now advance to high middle-income status and continue building the foundation for a First World Uganda.”
Museveni pledged to focus on infrastructure, industrialization, and investment while also tackling grassroots issues like education, health, and corruption.
His nomination reaffirms the NRM’s determination to keep him at the helm through 2031.
The day’s drama came from Elton Joseph Mabirizi, a former 2016 presidential candidate who initially faced rejection after irregularities were discovered in his nomination documents.
Justice Byabakama explained earlier that Mabirizi’s papers had issues that did not conform to the law but assured him of another chance to fix them.
True to his word, Mabirizi returned later in the day with corrected documents and was declared duly nominated.
“We guided him to go back and sort out the issue. Once it was corrected, he was at liberty to come back, and we afforded him another opportunity,” Byabakama told reporters.
Mabirizi, known for his fiery activism against government actions, expressed determination to mount a serious challenge in 2026.
He said his campaign would focus on rule of law, accountability, and empowering ordinary Ugandans.
The surprise entry on Day One was Robert Kasibante, nominated as the flag bearer of the National Peasants Party (NPP).
His nomination makes him the third candidate to officially join the 2026 race.
Kasibante pledged to prioritize the welfare of rural Ugandans, farmers, and peasants whom he said have been left behind in the country’s development journey.
“I come to this race to give voice to the voiceless peasants of Uganda. Our country’s wealth comes from the soil, yet the farmers remain poor. My campaign is about fairness and empowerment for ordinary Ugandans,” Kasibante said after his nomination.
While relatively unknown in national politics, Kasibante’s entry adds diversity to the presidential race, signaling space for smaller parties and grassroots movements.
Justice Simon Byabakama used the nominations to call on all candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and respect throughout the campaign season.
“We appeal to all participants, their agents, aspirants, and the general public to uphold the values of peace, dignity, and mutual respect throughout the nomination process and during campaigns,” he said.
Byabakama emphasized that the EC would ensure a fair and transparent process but urged candidates to take responsibility for keeping the election peaceful.
With three candidates cleared on the first day, more are expected to appear before the Electoral Commission on Day Two.
Political analysts say the 2026 race is shaping up to be both competitive and symbolic: Museveni seeking yet another extension of his long rule, Mabirizi pushing his activist agenda, and Kasibante bringing in a fresh grassroots perspective.
For advertising or to run your news article, contact us on 0785674642 or email tesonewsnetwork@gmail.com
About Author
