The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that all is set for Day Two, and the final day, of the nomination of presidential candidates in the #UgandaDecides2026 general elections.
The spotlight today falls on key opposition figures, including Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flag bearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi who will be nominated at 10AM and National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine who will be nominated at Mid-day.
In a statement posted on its official X platform, the Commission confirmed it would receive and process the remaining aspirants at the nomination center in Kampala.
“It’s Day 2 and the final day of #PresidentialNominations for the #UgandaDecides2026 General Elections. The Electoral Commission will today receive and process the remaining aspirants seeking nomination,” the EC said.
So far, three candidates, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Elton Joseph Mabirizi, and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP) were successfully nominated on Day One.
Day Two is expected to present Uganda’s opposition with its biggest test as it lines up heavyweights to take on the ruling NRM.
Before setting off to the nomination venue from his residence in Garuga, FDC’s Nathan Nandala Mafabi addressed the press, striking a conciliatory yet firm tone about his candidacy.
“We are coming into this election with no antagonism toward everyone,” Mafabi said. “FDC is a party for the people of Uganda, and we are just custodians. I am coming into this race to fight for the people of Uganda.”
The veteran politician emphasized unity within the opposition, acknowledging that other leaders had ambitions to run but had chosen different paths.
“Lukwago wanted to be the President but he sees himself as a Lord Mayor. I would be happy to see Lukwago or Ssemujju on the ballot standing for the Presidency,” Mafabi remarked, underscoring his belief in broader opposition participation.
Mafabi also took a swipe at other political formations, contrasting FDC’s grassroots mobilization with what he called “armchair politics” in Kampala.
“Other parties were seated here in Kampala looking for signatures. For us, we moved across the country gathering signatures and we got them,” he said.
The FDC candidate anchored his campaign message on healthcare and economic transformation, pledging to uplift hospitals and invest in productive sectors.
“People go to India for medication, but those are mostly MPs or those close to the regime. What about your brothers, sisters and grandmothers in the village? When you vote me, we shall make sure we elevate all hospitals in Uganda,” he promised.
On the economy, Mafabi called for investment in sectors that create wealth for ordinary citizens.
“We should invest in productive sectors so that every Ugandan has money in their pockets,” he said, adding that his vision was for inclusive growth that benefits peasants as well as the urban working class.
He appealed to Ugandans to participate in the vote.
“I call upon every Ugandan to go out and vote. You can only complain about vote rigging if you have actually voted,” Mafabi urged.
While Mafabi set out his agenda, attention is also turning to Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), whose nomination later today is expected to attract large crowds of NUP supporters.
Bobi Wine, who ran in 2021, remains one of Museveni’s fiercest challengers, particularly popular among Uganda’s youth.
Security agencies are reportedly on alert to manage expected crowds and prevent disruptions.
Observers say Bobi Wine’s participation ensures that the 2026 race will not be short of drama and energy.
As the nominations conclude, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama has urged both candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves with dignity.
He reminded aspirants that peaceful campaigns are crucial to the credibility of the elections.
“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,” Byabakama said.
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