Africa-Press – Uganda. Lt Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso, the highest-ranking female officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and presidential adviser on military affairs, has weighed in on the growing number of presidential aspirants ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking on Sanyuka Morning Xpress on Monday, the NRA war veteran dismissed opposition claims that the surge in aspirants signals weakness in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I don’t think they have come forward because there’s weakness. Everyone is being allowed to do as they please. Let anyone who wants to contest go ahead and do so,” Nalweyiso said.
She however cautioned aspirants against treating the race lightly. “People who want to contest as president shouldn’t present themselves in a joking manner but rather as serious presidential contenders. Because if they present themselves that way, even the public cannot trust them,” she added.
Her comments come amid reports that at least 162 individuals have so far picked up nomination forms from the Electoral Commission in preparation for the presidential race.
Under Ugandan law, aspirants must be citizens aged 18 or above, hold at least an A-Level certificate, pay a non-refundable fee of Shs20 million, and secure 100 signatures from at least two-thirds of Uganda’s districts.
Nalweyiso noted that while the swelling numbers highlight increased public interest in leadership, history shows only a small percentage of those who collect forms proceed to formal nomination.
Her remarks add to the broader debate on democracy, political participation, and the credibility of Uganda’s electoral process as the country moves closer to the 2026 polls.
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