The Electoral Commission announced that the Presidential and Parliamentary elections are set for Thursday, 15 January 2026, with official campaigns running from 10 November 2025 to 13 January 2026.
According to Chairperson Simon Byabakama, there are 519 parliamentary positions up for grabs — comprising 353 directly‐elected Members of Parliament (MPs), 146 district women representatives and 20 special interest representatives.
Many districts are reporting smooth flows of candidates stepping forward and meeting nomination requirements. Returning officers note broad compliance with the guidelines. There is, however, a notable uptick in independent candidates—many emerging after party‐primary defeats or by way of strategic repositioning.
Central Uganda: Defiance, Comebacks and Independent Ambitions
-
In Nakawa East, the flagbearer for the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, was nominated in absentia, while detained at Luzira Prison on charges of incitement and conspiracy. His nomination, represented by his wife and outgoing MP Ronald Balimwezo, was hailed by supporters as an act of defiance against political persecution.
-
In Mukono, former NUP member Hanifah Nabukeera has been nominated for the Mukono Municipality MP seat after quitting the party when she failed to secure its ticket. She accuses the incumbent, Betty Nambooze, of having become a “queen-maker” in the district.
-
In Nyendo–Mukungwe, stalwart of the Democratic Front (DF) and incumbent MP Mathias Mpuuga, nominated after quitting NUP and forming his own party (which is not fielding a Presidential candidate), seeks another term.
-
In Kawempe North, Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola—who joined Parliament less than six months ago after replacing the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya—was nominated on the NUP ticket despite ongoing legal disputes over his seat.
-
Former Attorney General Fred Ruhindi has made a political comeback, contesting for Nakawa East MP. He pledged “clean and transparent leadership” as he takes on NUP’s Mufumbiro and Winifred Nakandi in a race drawing huge public interest.
-
In Makindye West, the contest heats up between incumbent Allan Ssewanyana and NUP flag-bearer Zahara Luyirika, the latter emphasising women and youth empowerment. The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) will also field Doreen Keita Kagabi.
-
In Kampala Central, boxing boss Moses Muhangi entered the race as an independent, joining a field that already includes NUP’s David Rubongoya and NRM’s Solomon Kabanda.
-
In Rubaga South, Aloysius Mukasa was nominated as an independent after failing to secure the NUP ticket.
Western Uganda: Upsets, Independents and Big Names Gone Solo
In the western region, the nomination day underscored a wave of entrenched party figures turning independent after primary defeats or internal party rifts:
-
Former NRM primary losers now contesting as independents include Molly Asiimwe (Rwampara Woman MP), Margaret Rwebyambu (Mbarara Woman MP), Robert Mugabi (Kitagwenda), Dan Kimosho (Kazo), Rita Bwahika (Mbarara City), Joveline Kalisa (Ibanda), and John Sibedile (Kasese Municipality).
-
State Trade Minister and NRM Kabale District Chairperson David Bahati has been nominated as an independent candidate for Ndorwa West – a stunning turn after suffering a humiliating defeat in the NRM primaries losing to first-time contender Counsel Eliab Naturinda and a long tenure since 2006.
-
Former Isingiro District Woman MP Justine Ayebazibwe Kashaija and NRM flagbearer Lillian Ruteraaho are set for a rematch in the 2026 polls; Ayebazibwe will run as an independent.
-
Incumbent MP for Kashari North and Ankole Region parliamentary caucus chair Bazil Bataringaya Rwakwene has accepted nomination as an independent after losing the NRM primary.
- Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, Minister of State for finance General duties, the NRM district chairman for Rubanda has been fully and duly nominated as the Rubanda East MP aspirant (2026–2031). He faced it tough in the primaries against Kenneth Biryabarema, the former Rubanda District Chairperson who will come in as an independent.
-
In Mbarara City, current Woman MP Ritah Bwahika Atukwatsa will contest as an independent against the NRM flagbearer Charity Kibaaju Kamuhanda. Moses Kamuntu Mwongyera (Rubanda West) also nominated as independent.
-
Molly Asiimwe Musiime, incumbent Woman MP for Rwampara who lost in NRM primaries, nominated independently. Ayebare Margaret Rwebyambu likewise nominated as independent for the Mbarara District Woman’s seat.
- Other notable nominations: Patrick Katabazi (NRM flagbearer for Rukiga County) versus incumbent Rolland Ndyomugyenyi (running independent); retired Lt‐Col. Bright Kanyontore Rwamirama (Isingiro North MP and Minister of State for Animal Industry) nominated again to extend his stay in Parliament since 2001.
Northern and Eastern Uganda: Strategic Moves and Party Dynamics
-
In the north, Justice Minister and President General of the Democratic Party (DP) Norbert Mao abandoned the presidential race and instead aims to return to Parliament as the Laroo-Pece Division (Gulu City) MP on the DP ticket.
-
In Moyo West, Dr Charles Lagu, former head of the National Agricultural Genetic Resources Centre (NAGRC), has been nominated as an independent.
-
Long-time MP for Adjumani West and Second Deputy Prime Minister Moses Ali was nominated on the NRM ticket.
-
In the East, Vice-President Jessica Alupo was nominated on the NRM ticket for Katakwi Woman MP, pledging to continue her work in education, health and women’s empowerment; she also announced a presidential visit to Napak on 30 Oct and to Katakwi on 1 Nov.
-
In Mbale’s Elgon County, the incumbent MP (Mudimi) defied the NRM, opting to run independently after alleging unfair party primaries.
