By President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially entered the 2026 presidential race after his team collected his nomination papers from the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters today, pushing the total number of presidential aspirants so far to a record 121.
The nomination papers were picked by NRM First Vice Chairperson Moses Kigongo, accompanied by party Secretary General Richard Todwong, who hailed the growing list of contenders as proof of the ruling party’s governance record.
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“The increase in presidential candidates this year is because of the good leadership of NRM. We will defeat them all,” Todwong said confidently.
Museveni, who has led Uganda for nearly four decades, has often claimed he is the only leader with the vision to steer the nation forward — a position now facing unprecedented challenge from a crowded field of rivals.
Earlier in the day, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) sent a delegation to collect nomination forms for its Secretary General and flag bearer, Nathan Nandala Mafabi. He was followed by Apostle Mathew Mutyaba, a blind and physically disabled aspirant who vowed to “restore Uganda’s glory” if elected.
Former Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa also turned up for his forms, but accused the EC of favoritism after the NRM team was served ahead of him.
“We came early, but they were allowed to go before us. The EC must uphold its independence,” Munyagwa protested.
EC Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi dismissed the claims, insisting all aspirants are treated equally. He explained that Munyagwa’s Common Man’s Party is still formalizing its name change, but this has not hindered the issuance of forms.
Todwong also rejected allegations that the government is funding or sponsoring rival candidates.
“No aspirant is funded by NRM. Those are just allegations. Museveni is coming with a new style this time round,” he said.
The nomination exercise drew a colorful mix of hopefuls, including Katushabe Ronald, who arrived on a bicycle to collect his papers, declaring himself “the best candidate for the job.”
So far, five political parties and dozens of independents have joined the race, making the 2026 presidential election one of Uganda’s most hotly contested polls in history — a contest that will test Museveni’s long-standing claim to be the nation’s only visionary leader.
