Prince Nakibinge calls for peaceful elections ahead of 2026 polls

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Prince Kassim Nakibinge has urged Ugandans to reject electoral violence and embrace peace as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.

“Elections come and go, but Uganda will remain,” Prince Nakibinge said today, December 22, 2025, urging citizens to prioritise national unity over political differences.

The titular head of the Muslim community in Uganda made the remarks while hosting National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu at his residence. The private meeting, which lasted about an hour, preceded Kyagulanyi’s campaign activities in Kampala city's Makindye East and Makindye West.

Nakibinge appealed to both voters and security agencies to act responsibly during the election period.

“We urge all Ugandans to be peaceful and abide by the law. We also call upon the security forces not to terrorise Ugandans,” he said.

He also cautioned the Electoral Commission against partisanship, urging it to conduct the polls impartially.

“I urge you to be a good referee and avoid being partisan,” he said.

Kyagulanyi arrived at the Prince’s residence at about 10:00am after travelling from the party headquarters at Makerere Kavule. He held a closed-door meeting with Prince Nakibinge, attended by senior NUP leaders, but journalists were excluded.

Speaking after the meeting, Prince Nakibinge said the discussions focused on promoting tolerance and respect for democratic choice.

“In our discussion, we urged Ugandans to welcome all candidates and vote for leaders of their choice,” he said, further calling on the “command structure of the security forces to be law-abiding and avoid actions that could lead to loss of life and destruction of property.”

Kyagulanyi thanked Prince Nakibinge for receiving him and praised the Muslim leader for consistently speaking out against human rights violations.

“We thank the grandfather of believers for his voice,” Kyagulanyi said. “I assure him that we shall be humble. We shall be Ugandans who love our country.”

The road to January 15

Ugandans are set to head to the polls on January 15, 2026. Under the current electoral system, a presidential candidate must secure an absolute majority of 50 per cent plus one vote to win outright, failing which a run-off will be held between the top two contenders.

The presidential race features eight candidates, including incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP). 

Other candidates are Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Mugisha Gregory Muntu (ANT), Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga (Common Man’s Party), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party), Frank Kabanga Bulira (Revolutionary People’s Party) and Elton Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party).