New presidential aspirants have a dream

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Uganda's Electoral Commission (EC) premises are abuzz with various activities as over 100 individuals continue to express interest in challenging the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party chairperson and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 General Elections.

Whereas the idea of having many candidates is good, some believe it is impossible to have a ballot paper of 120 candidates for one position, even if they managed to collect the required number of signatures and even pay sh20m nomination fees.

Independent candidate and lawyer Ronald Katushabe riding his bicycle from Ntinda to pick forms to express interest at the electoral commission. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

To political analysts New Vision Online contacted, this development shows the dreams that the aspirants have in their desire for change, with many aspirants expressing a need for a "missing link" in the country's politics.

The aspirants' vision

Covering different political aspirants thronging EC offices at Plot 1-3, Seventh Street, Industrial Area in Kampala on Wednesday, the diverse groups of presidential hopefuls showed a mix of little-known youth idealists and a crop of veteran politicians who have been at the helm of the country’s politics for over 35 years.

Much as youthful candidates were driven by a desire to address pressing issues such as corruption, youth unemployment, stunted education for the poor and inadequate healthcare, frustrated Ugandans seemed not to care about their promises.

I will reduce the size of Parliament and Cabinet

Appearing on a bicycle riding from Ntinda to pick nominations, a 31-year-old lawyer, Ronald Katushabe, working with Kumbuga and Co. Advocates, said that despite Uganda having a Constitution since 1995, there have been huge gaps to suggest that there is abuse of the rule of law and constitutionalism.

Ronald Katushabe speaking to media in Ntinda after picking nomination forms at the electoral commission. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“When voted as President, I will reduce the size of Parliament and Cabinet, advocate for economic justice, fight for the rule of law and cause peaceful change of power,” he pledged.

Kambuga hails from Kihumuro cell, Katikara sub-county, Bugangaizi East County in Kakumiro district.

Correcting the arms of government

An independent candidate from Isingiro district, Disan Kagumaho, aged 25 years, came holding the unique symbol, ‘Yatagarasu’ bird – a three-legged crow to represent the link between the judiciary, legislature and the executive arms of government.

Yatagarasu is a mythological creature in various histories and arts of East Asia, where it is believed to inhabit and represent the sun.

“I have chosen the symbol because there is a big mix and mess with the way the three arms of government are working to serve the interests of Ugandans. There is no independence of such arms of government, but they are all connected by corruption, nepotism and tribalism. They are all conniving to deprive ordinary Ugandans who vote for change to realize meaningful service delivery in vain,” he said.

Disan Kagumaho, an independent candidate addressing media on his presidential ambitions at the EC headquarters in Kampala (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

The bird stands for spiritual values which have rotted in our country, which my presidency seeks to uplift, Kagumaho insisted.

Uganda will leave EAC because of Kenya

The Common Man’s Party (CMP) and former Kawempe South MP, Mubarak Munyagwa, pledged to remove Uganda from the East African Community (EAC) once elected the president of Uganda.

“There has been an imbalance of payment between Uganda and Kenya. Uganda consumes all their exports, but when it reaches our eggs and milk, our products are banned. Maybe we can be in the EAC with only the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, South Sudan and others but not Kenya,” Munyagwa said.

Munyagwa, if elected, pledged to establish universal healthcare and insurance schemes to include the common poor in the picture.

“Health for the poor citizens is compromised. They go to government health facilities but fail to get drugs and medical attention,” he observed.

Science and tech is the way to go

The 49-year-old Lugolobi from Busega Nabisasiro zone, Rubaga division In Kampala said that he would work towards developing science and technology to move Uganda forward with other developed countries.

“With the coming of science and technology and the Internet, it is enough to tell the old generation of leaders that they have lived in politics for long beyond their usefulness.

Despite their enthusiasm, these aspirants must fulfil several requirements before they appear on the ballot paper, including collecting 9,800 signatures from at least 98 districts and paying a shillings 20 million nomination fee.

You aren't candidates yet

According to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, aspirants are cautioned against referring to themselves as candidates before formal nomination, emphasizing the need to meet all requirements.

Tobias Lugolobi who picked nomination forms from Samuel Kiyingyi the principal electoral commission officer (right) at EC headquarters in Kampala. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“Contesting is everyone’s right, but we shall properly vet all candidates to help Uganda make informed choices,” he said.

Political analysts weigh in

Charles Rwomushana, a renowned political analyst and veteran politician, says there is no chance that all those candidates can pay the nomination fees and be printed on the ballot paper.

“There is no chance for them to appear on the same ballot because EC must have one managed ballot paper where President Museveni is either on top or the last,” he claimed.

A cry for change

"The surge in presidential aspirants reflects a broader discontent with the current political establishment," Rwomushana said.

Many Ugandans feel that the country needs new faces, ideas, and leadership to address pressing issues. “Every fresh aspirant feels like a billboard saying, 'We've had enough of the same movie, let's change the channel.'"

Timothy Chemonges, the executive director for the Centre for Policy organisation, said it is a positive sign for people, including young people, to show willingness in participating for leadership in their country.

“Much as some want visibility and to be at the centre of discussion, it gives a key message that there is a need for transition and youth are ready to take the country forward,” he said.

People who had picked up nomination forms from EC by August 13, 2025, were over 120, including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.