Bobi Wine signing the nomination forms at the EC offices
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The eight presidential aspirants that have been cleared by the Electoral Commission (EC) to run for the general elections set for January 2026, have become automatic millionaires, Habari Daily can confirm.
According to the EC, 8 candidates were duly nominated to stand for the presidency.
“Hundreds expressed interest and picked nomination forms, but few succeeded because many did not meet the requirements,” said Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the EC Chairperson.
The list of duly nominated candidates issued by the EC
He said all the presidential candidates, including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who were duly nominated by the EC, were given logistical support and personal security detail that they will use during the campaign period.
Byabakama also handed over the keys to a brand new Police patrol Hilux pick-up, which will be fully fueled and serviced by the EC, 16 police guards and a driver to each of the candidates.
“Under the law, the EC is required to ensure organs of the State avail you security, whichever place you are, whether at your home, in the field or at your office to protect you. All the above will be provided at our cost. We shall fuel your vehicle and provide the driver as well. We shall also pay the security personnel,” he said while handing over keys to each candidate yesterday.
The candidates have practically become paper millionaires, since they can use the EC accolades to fund raise, and also possibly raise campaign funds from sympathisers abroad.
Fulfilled requirements
Byabakama said that all nominated candidates were proven to be Ugandan citizens by birth, registered voters, and at least 18 years old.
“They also presented certified copies of educational qualifications showing a minimum of A-Level or its equivalent, and each one of them obtained the support of at least 100 registered voters from not less than 98 districts, which make up two-thirds of all districts in Uganda,” he further noted.
Aspirants also submitted nomination papers, a declaration of consent, proof of education, proof of voter registration, three passport-sized photographs, a certificate of compliance, proof of payment of a non-refundable fee of Shs20 million, and a proposed campaign schedule starting on September 29, 2025.
Independent aspirants also selected a symbol and appoint an official agent.
The chosen few
The EC managed to nominate 8 candidates to run for the presidency, who include Bulira Frank Kabinga (Revolutionary Peoples Party), Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga (Common Man’s Party), Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu (National Unity Platform), and Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera (Alliance for National Transformation).
Others are Nandala Mafabi James Nathan (Forum for Democratic Change), Mabirizi Joseph (Conservative Party), Kasibante Robert (National Peasants Party), and President Yoweri Museveni (NRM).
Although some aspirants had requested the EC to add more days for them to submit the requirements, it stuck to its guns, saying that the two days were quite sufficient.
Vision for the future
Uganda’s long-time President Museveni who has occupied State House for the last 40-years, has urged supporters to back his vision for the future.
President Museveni after being nominated
His party, the governing National Resistance Movement (NRM), had officially confirmed him in June as its presidential candidate.
In posts on social media, he thanked the NRM members for entrusting and electing him as their “Presidential flag bearer for the 2026-2031 term.”
“In this economy, the GDP of Uganda has doubled currently in the recent Kisanja from $34 billion to $66 billion,” he wrote. “You have everything today that you lacked in the past: electricity, roads, telephones, manpower, the educated people, and peace. That’s why we are being flooded by many investors because they are looking for a peaceful and profitable area where to invest.”
He named among his priorities for this term wealth creation, education, infrastructure, the fight against crime and against corruption, and improvement in health and water provision.
Protest Vote
Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, has called on voters to use the 2026 elections as a turning point in Uganda’s political journey, and cast a protest vote against the current government.
Speaking at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Lubowa shortly after his nomination, Kyagulanyi delivered a message of hope, defiance, and responsibility, positioning himself as the candidate to restore dignity and ensure accountability for all citizens.
Kyagulanyi called for a “protest vote” against injustices and urged Museveni to allow a free, orderly, and democratic transition of power.
“I urge President Museveni to constitute a free, orderly and democratic transition of power. Let this be a democratic election and a free election,” he said.
He also pledged to fight unfair taxation, end patronage in employment, and build a system where merit—not connections—determines opportunity.
“Traders should not be exploited under unfair tax regimes. We desire a Uganda where jobs are not limited to a connected few, but where those qualified can serve their country. With your courage, sacrifice and the grace of God, we shall reach that new Uganda,” he said.
Kyagulanyi highlighted NUP’s grassroots investments, leadership training, and support for families of political prisoners as evidence of the party’s resilience.
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