On Monday, National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential flag bearer, Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu aka Bobi Wine reignited the rivalry for the country’s top seat with National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as both candidates launched their 2026 manifestos.
Bobi Wine launched his campaign “A New Uganda Now” in Jinja to thousands of party supporters from the Busoga region, one of the most poverty stricken regions in the country while President Museveni opted for the opulent Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo to launch the “Protect the Gains” campaign to top NRM officials, government dignitaries, and enthusiastic supporters.
Both candidates choice for their manifestos launch resounds to a sharp contrast for the 2026 campaigns with some analysts noting that Bobi Wines choice to launch in Busoga not only shows his intent to expand the party’s support in the east but also signifies his appeal to youth and working class frustrations in a region grappling with unemployment.
Museveni’s decision to launch in Munyonyo, in the heart of the country’s political and business power, underscores his campaign message of legacy, stability and continuity.
While addressing supporters at the launch of he’s 11 point manifesto, Bobi Wine said he is set to focus on restoring freedom, constitutionalism, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
“Uganda has endured a turbulent political history defined by unfulfilled promises, corruption, division, and abuse of power. For nearly four decades, our people have been subjected to poverty, injustice, and despair under a regime that has overstayed its welcome” he said.
He added, “Successive governments have failed to unite our people, respect our freedoms, and guarantee equal opportunities for all”.
Bobi Wine further pledged to address Uganda’s growing debt, increase health and education budgets by 15 percent, reduce government structures and expenditure.
Bobi Wine noted that NUP came forward with the Manifesto as a bold declaration of intent to build A New Uganda Now, where every citizen is treated equally, dreams are nurtured, and a solid foundation is laid for future generations.
“This Manifesto is not just a document; it is a covenant between us and the 48 million Ugandans yearning for freedom, dignity, and prosperity” he said.
At the Speke Resort Munyonyo”, where Museveni also launched the 2021–2026 manifesto themed “Securing Your Future, Museveni this time around pledged to protect the hard earned achievements of the Movement and accelerate Uganda’s march to high middle income status.
“The NRM has sailed Uganda through turbulent storms,” Museveni declared, emphasizing wealth creation, job opportunities, education, health, justice, and regional integration.
“The greatest legacy of the NRM has been the peace and security we now enjoy, thanks to the dedicated people of Uganda, the wanainchi and UPDF”.
He added, “Furthermore, we must focus on the three pillars of Uganda’s transformation: development, infrastructure, and wealth creation. With 40 million acres of arable land, Uganda has the potential to create over 105 million jobs. By harnessing these resources effectively, we can provide abundant employment opportunities right here at home”.
Museveni noted seven key pillars of the new manifesto, that include Peace and Security, Infrastructure Development, Wealth Creation, Jobs, Service Delivery, Markets, Unity and Political Stability framed under his ABCDE approach, to help leaders and party supporters understand the priorities clearer.
Museveni further urged Ugandans to Invest in local industries targeting cancer, diabetes and malaria noting that the country’s pharmaceutical research had reached a stage where commercialization required fresh capital from private investors.
With both candidates only a day into their campaigns, it remains to be seen which of the two obviously strongest contenders out of the eight nominated candidates will sway the voters with their messages next year.
The eight candidates include; Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine (National Unity Platform -NUP), Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (National Resistance Movement – NRM), Elton Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party – CP), and Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party – NPP).
The rest are Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC), Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation – ANT), Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga (Common Man’s Party – CMP), and Bulira Frank Kabinga (Revolutionary People’s Party – RPP).
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