By Mulengera Reporters
The Electoral Commission (EC) convened a crucial meeting with representatives from all eight cleared presidential candidates ahead of the official campaign launch, aiming to coordinate campaign schedules and prevent potential clashes across the country.
However, the process has heightened tension among candidates other than incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose National Resistance Movement (NRM) is closely represented in the talks.
The session, chaired by EC Secretary Richard Kamugisha Baabo, brought together campaign agents including Robert Centenary from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Rovans Lwanyaga for the National Unity Platform (NUP), while Moses Byaruhanga represented President Museveni and the ruling NRM.
Police officials also participated, advising on security measures to ensure peaceful conduct during campaign events.
Sources indicate that much of the discussion focused on delineating where and when each candidate will campaign, in an effort to avoid overlaps that could trigger conflicts between rival supporters.
The EC’s meeting follows the official clearance of eight presidential candidates on September 24, from a field of over 220 aspirants, underscoring a competitive but tightly regulated 2026 race.
The candidates cleared to contest include Museveni, Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (NUP), and Gregory Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation), alongside others.
While the meeting is framed as a routine coordination exercise, analysts and observers note a palpable unease among opposition candidates, who remain wary of the ruling party’s influence over the electoral process.
The absence of female candidates continues to raise concerns over inclusivity in Uganda’s presidential contests.
EC spokesperson Julius Muchunguzi emphasized the importance of harmonizing the campaign programs, noting that the commission is now focused on printing the official ballot paper and maintaining orderly campaign activities nationwide.
Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, is set to oversee further engagement with agents as the official campaign period begins on September 29.
As this developing story unfolds, attention remains on whether the EC’s efforts will successfully foster a peaceful and transparent election atmosphere amid the underlying tensions.
