Agency
Presidential rivals in the 2026 polls could face off in a presidential candidates’ debate being considered by the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue.
If it takes place, the presidential candidates’ debate could be the third to be held in Uganda since Uganda returned to multiparty politics.
The last debate took place in 2016, bringing the candidates in the race to one podium. Some described that event as a small victory for democracy.
Debates between presidential candidates have become an important part of the election process in countries like the United States of America.
IPOD previously coordinated the 2016 and 2021 presidential debates in partnership with the Elders’ Forum and the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU), a faith-based coalition of major religious institutions.
The Electoral Commission has so far nominated eight presidential candidates for the 2026 race. They include: Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni – National Resistance Movement (NRM), Robert Kasibante – National Peasants’ Party, Elton Joseph Mabirizi – Conservative Party, James Nathan Nandala Mafabi – Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and Gregory Mugisha Muntu – Alliance for National Transformation (ANT)
Others are Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert (Bobi Wine) – National Unity Platform (NUP), Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga – Common Man’s Party (CMP), and Frank Burira Kavinga – Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP)
