From January 12 to February 9, 2026, Ugandans will head to the polls to elect leaders across various levels, including Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Councils (City/District, Municipality/City Division, and Sub-County/Town/Municipal Division), in accordance with Article 61(2) of the Constitution.
According to a July 2024 press release from the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the nomination of presidential candidates will take place from October 2 to 3, 2025. Parliamentary candidates will be nominated from September 16 to 17, 2025.
Key deadlines include:
August 1, 2025: Submission of academic credentials for presidential aspirants.
June 13, 2025: Resignation of public servants intending to run for parliamentary seats.
October 1, 2025: Resignation of public servants intending to contest for the presidency.
As of now, five candidates have expressed their interest in the presidential race.
George William Magera
George William Magera, running for the first time, is the President of the People's Progressive Party-Uganda.
A graduate of Uganda Christian University with a Bachelor of Logistics Management (2018), Magera is currently pursuing a Master of International Policy and Practice with a concentration in Security.
Magera has served as the president of the Progressive Party since 2018 and co-founded an NGO in 2010 that focuses on addressing health, poverty, and education challenges in Uganda.
Apostle Henry Byamukama
Apostle Henry Byamukama previously intended to run in the 2021 elections but was unsuccessful. He is the founder of several initiatives, including Faith Life Ministries, which spearheaded a donation drive to assist communities affected by the Kiteezi landfill collapse.
Byamukama also serves as President of Encounter Jesus Worldwide Ministries, Secretary-General of the Labour Party (Uganda’s oldest political party), and CEO of Breakthrough Media (BTM TV). He is married to Lillian Mirembe Byamukama, and the couple has two children.
Muhammad Nsereko
Muhammad Nsereko, an independent Member of Parliament and lawyer, has represented Kampala Central Division since 2011.
Born on August 25, 1981, Nsereko attended Buganda Road Primary School, Kibuli Secondary School, and Kawempe Muslim Secondary School.
He earned a Diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Business and Management Studies in 2005 and a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University in 2006. He also holds a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre (2007).
Nsereko has been a partner at Nsereko, Mukalazi, and Company Advocates since 2007 and previously chaired the Kampala Central Land Committee (2006–2010).
Bobi Wine
Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was born on February 12, 1982, at Nkozi Hospital, Uganda.
He entered politics in April 2017, winning the Kyadondo County East by-election through a grassroots campaign.
On July 24, 2019, Bobi Wine announced his intention to run for president in the 2021 general elections, where his candidacy resonated with many Ugandans. Read more about Bobi Wine here.
Yoweri Museveni
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa, born on September 15, 1944, has been the President of Uganda since 1986.
Museveni has dominated Uganda’s political landscape for decades, and his leadership remains a significant topic of discussion as the nation heads towards the 2026 elections.
We will continue to update this list as more candidates declare their interest...