By In a bold move that has stirred murmurs among the electorate and political actors across the country, 30-year-old boda boda rider and graduate of International Relations and Diplomacy, Francis Mawejje, has declared his intentions to run for President of Uganda in the 2026 general election.
Mawejje, who addressed journalists in Kampala on Monday, said his candidacy represents a new chapter for the country one led by a generation that understands the struggles of everyday Ugandans. “I am the face of the boda boda economy, the millions who survive hand-to-mouth, burdened by debt and left out of national development,” he said.
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Standing outside a backdrop of economic hardship, Mawejje painted a stark picture of what he called Uganda’s economic reality. “Everyone agrees that 80% of our economy is driven by informal workers like boda boda riders. People leave home not knowing if they will earn anything. Six people share a single shop but still fail to pay rent. Our nation is choking.”
Mawejje also used his platform to criticize the current state of government service delivery. “There is no medicine in hospitals, soldiers and police officers live in dilapidated structures, roads are broken, and civil servants are paid peanuts despite their critical contributions to national growth. This must change,” he declared.
His candidacy comes amid a growing list of individuals who have expressed interest in challenging President Museveni in the 2026 race. These include National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), Jimmy Akena of the Uganda Peoples congress, Moureen Kyalya independent, and former security minister Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, among others. Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, writings on the wall confirm he will run again but remains a key figure in the race.
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Mawejje outlined a seven-point action plan that he says will transform Uganda if he is elected president. His priorities include tackling unemployment, revamping the health and education sectors, and implementing constitutional reforms to reduce the powers of the presidency. He also advocates for diaspora and inmate voting rights, a crackdown on corruption, and the rationalization of bloated government agencies.
Notably, he pledged to introduce mandatory insurance for all boda boda riders, improve emergency medical services by equipping hospitals and ambulances, and raise salaries for medical professionals.
“Uganda has suffered under the NRM regime for almost 40 years,” Mawejje said. “This is the time for true liberation. I am not just a candidate I am Uganda’s liberator.”
