Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni famously claimed that he is the only Ugandan with the vision to lead the country. And for 40 years, it has appeared so, never mind the challenges from Dr Kizza Besigye, Norbert Mao, Robert Kyagulanyi, Paul Ssemogerere, and the likes.
But now that claim to vision is under intense attack, and Mr Museveni must be feeling like a child in a red ants’ hive.
The President officially entered the 2026 presidential race after his team picked up his nomination papers today from the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters, bringing the total number of presidential aspirants so far to 121.
The NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, who escorted the party’s First Vice Chairperson, Moses Kigongo, to collect Museveni’s forms, said the swelling number of contenders reflects the party’s strong governance record.
“The increase in presidential candidates this year is because of the good leadership of NRM. We will defeat them all,” Todwong asserted confidently.
The day’s nomination activity began with a delegation from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who picked forms for their Secretary General and 2026 flag bearer, Nathan Nandala Mafabi.
They were followed by Apostle Mathew Mutyaba, a blind and physically disabled aspirant, who declared his determination to “restore Uganda’s glory” if elected president.
Former Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa also arrived with his team. However, before they could be served, the NRM delegation entered, drawing the EC’s attention and receiving priority service — a move Munyagwa later criticized.
“We came early, but they were allowed to go before us. The EC must uphold its independence,” Munyagwa complained.
Todwong, however, dismissed any claims that the government was sponsoring other candidates or influencing the process.
“No aspirant is funded by NRM. Those are just allegations,” he said, adding, “Museveni is coming with a new style this time round.”
Later, Katushabe Ronald arrived on a bicycle to collect his forms, declaring himself “the best candidate for the job.”
EC Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi denied allegations of bias in the nomination process.
“We treat all aspirants equally,” Mucunguzi said. “Munyagwa’s Common Man’s Party has not yet finalized its name change, but that has not stopped us from issuing nomination papers.”
So far, five political parties and dozens of independents have picked up nomination forms.
With over 100 hopefuls already in the race, the 2026 presidential election is shaping up to be one of Uganda’s most hotly contested polls in history, signaling a new era of political competition that challenges Museveni’s long-held claim to the country’s singular vision.
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