The number of Ugandans seeking to contest in the 2026 presidential election has risen to 187, according to the Electoral Commission (EC). Among the latest entrants is Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko, who has declared his bid to challenge President Yoweri Museveni’s nearly 40-year rule.
Mr Nsereko, who took over the leadership of the Ecological Party of Uganda in June, said his campaign will focus on rebuilding the country and giving hope to the majority youth population.
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“Our manifesto is here to give Ugandans a future that will not be stolen from the young men and women who make up the majority of our population,” he told reporters in Kampala. “We shall support farmers, ensure fair access to justice, restore peace to our natural resources, address corruption and climate change, and build a healthcare and education system that works for all.”
He also pledged to reduce taxes on traders, invest in infrastructure, and promote skills training for both young people and older Ugandans to create a competitive workforce.
Meanwhile, divisions in the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) deepened as Dennis Edin Enap also picked presidential nomination forms, citing a court ruling that recognises him as party president. Mr Enap argued that rival Jimmy Akena, who picked forms last week, is ineligible to run again after serving two terms under the UPC constitution.
“Based on UPC’s history of governing Uganda, our recovery programme will revitalise the economy in the first 100 days — ensuring quality education, trade, commerce, industry, and employment to make Ugandans proud again,” Mr Enap said.
The EC, which began issuing presidential nomination forms last Monday, confirmed that by Thursday evening the number of aspirants had reached 187.
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