33 photos from the trail: Presidential candidates intensify campaigns

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With just two months to the January 15 polls, presidential campaigns are intensifying across the country. As days tick down, candidates are crisscrossing Uganda’s sub-regions, unveiling their manifestos, making pledges, and rallying voters.

Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, the NRM flagbearer, began his week in Mbale City in the Bugisu sub-region, before heading to Sebei, covering Bukwo, Kween, and Kapchorwa districts. He later moved into the Bukedi sub-region, spending Friday in Butaleja and Tororo, canvassing for support and reinforcing the NRM message.

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, after two weeks in Ankole and Kigezi, spent Friday campaigning in Sheema and Buhweju districts.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has been in the West Nile sub-region throughout the week. On Friday, he held rallies in Arua before proceeding to Maracha in his push for votes.

Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Gen (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu spent the day in Kaberamaido, Amuria, and Kalaki districts in the Lango sub-region, engaging supporters and sharing his message of change.

Other candidates on the trail included Robert Kasibante in Soroti; Mubarak Munyagwa in Rakai and Kyotera; Joseph Mabirizi in Kotido and Moroto; and Frank Bulira in Rukungiri district.

Below are picture highlights from our reporters following the candidates on the campaign trail.

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NRM supporters in Butaleja and Tororo districts were already in a celebratory mood long before President Museveni arrived. The crowds were visibly excited, kept energised by performances from several musicians.

Every time someone on stage shouted an “NRM oyee!”, the supporters roared back even louder, their enthusiasm electrifying the entire venue.

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President Museveni was welcomed by the Speaker of Parliament and the National Female Vice Chairperson for NRM, Anita Among. He later addressed NRM supporters and handed party flagbearers their flags.

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NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, accompanied by his wife Barbie Kyagulanyi, spent the day seeking votes in Sheema and Buhweju districts.

Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, kept the crowds engaged with his characteristic humour and constant interaction, switching smoothly between Luganda and Runyankole as he delivered his message. Barbie occasionally stepped in to support him, addressing the crowds in her more fluent Runyankole.

For many who gathered, the sight of the couple campaigning together was thrilling. Supporters cheered loudly, some raising their fists in solidarity, while others captured the moment on their phones, eager not to miss a single scene.

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FDC presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi fired up supporters in Arua and Maracha districts, assuring them that he is the most qualified and reliable leader to steer Uganda forward.

He pledged to prioritise better service delivery, promising a government that works efficiently and puts citizens first. His message was met with enthusiastic applause as he urged voters to choose leadership that delivers real change.

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In three different districts, ANT presidential candidate Gen. Mugisha Muntu spent the day engaging supporters with his trademark calm but compelling message of disciplined, transformative leadership.

His call for a new political culture resonated deeply—so much so that one supporter publicly crossed from the ruling NRM to the ANT, pledging his vote and declaring that Muntu’s vision had won them over. The moment drew loud cheers.