Why 9 political parties say to support Museveni's re-election bid

Nine Ugandan political parties have unanimously agreed to support President Yoweri Museveni's re-election bid in the 2026 General Election.

The parties, led by National Consultative Forum chairperson Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi, announced on December 4, 2025, what they called a “deliberate vote” strategy during a launch in Kampala.

The parties include:

• Social Democratic Party

•  People’s Democratic Party

•  National Economic Empowerment Dialogue

•  Uganda Patriotic Movement

•  Forum for Integrity in Leadership

Kiwanda clarified that the parties have not joined the NRM but have formed an alliance specifically to mobilise votes for President Museveni.

He said their decision followed an assessment that the NRM manifesto on “protecting the gains” is stronger than those of other parties.

General duties minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Justine Kasule Lumumba, represented Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja as the chief guest at the launch.

The presidential candidates

A total of eight candidates were nominated by the Electoral Commission (EC) on September 24, 2025, to vie for the country's top seat in the 2026 General Election.

Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will face off with former Army commander Maj. Gen. (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu Oyera of the Alliance of National Transformation (ANT), Robert Kasibante Robert from the National Peasants Party (NPP), James Nathan Nandala Mafabi from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Joseph Mabirizi from the Conservative Party (CP).

Others are Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga from the Common Man's Party (CMP) and Frank Bulira Kabinga from the Revolutionary People's Party (RPP).

The elections are slated for early next year.