Uganda’s Young Presidential Aspirants Challenge Museveni’s Long 40-year Rule

Uganda 2026 election — Uganda’s political stage is witnessing a wave of youthful energy as the Electoral Commission (EC) officially begins issuing nomination forms for the 2026 presidential election. For many, this marks the start of a new era of political ambition, especially among young Ugandans eager to challenge President Yoweri Museveni’s decades-long leadership.

Museveni, who turns 81 in September, has ruled the country since 1986 and is widely expected to seek another five-year term, which would be his seventh. The EC announced that the forms can be collected personally or through authorised representatives, with aspiring candidates required to submit signatures from at least 100 registered voters in two-thirds of Uganda’s districts. They must also pay a nomination fee of Shs20 million. Presidential nominations are set for September 23-24 at the EC’s newly established offices in Lweza, near Entebbe.

Youth Presidential Hopefuls in the Uganda 2026 Election

Uganda 2026 election – The youngest declared presidential hopeful is 20-year-old Jorine Najjemba, a former secondary school student currently on a gap year. Running under the campaign slogan “Open Door New Uganda for Everyone,” she says her motivation comes from frustration over “a government full of rude and arrogant individuals.”

Another youthful challenger, 22-year-old Abigail Ayeza, admitted her decision to run “even annoyed my parents,” but said she could no longer remain silent about the government’s unfulfilled promises to end unemployment and poverty.

Several other aspirants in their 20s, many still university students, are also stepping forward. They cite corruption, inequality, and poor public services as their primary grievances.

Voices of a New Generation

Uganda 2026 election – Pauline Nankambwe, 24, a student at Uganda Christian University (UCU), criticised the government for prioritising clearing presidential motorcades over solving the country’s worsening traffic congestion. “I will fight corruption from its roots and create equality for all,” she vowed.

Wycliffe Kasaijja, also 24, promised to introduce the death penalty for corruption, while Alvin Mivue, a law student, pledged to “revolutionise Pan-Africanism” and strengthen regional trade.

David William Magezi, 25, a human resource manager, used a mix of humour and sharp political criticism to call Museveni’s leadership “political hullabaloo.”

Despite their enthusiasm, most young candidates admit they face significant financial obstacles, with campaign costs estimated at more than one billion shillings. Many plan to rely on public donations to support their bids.

A Symbol of Growing Discontent

Political observers say the growing number of youth candidates reflects widespread frustration among Uganda’s young population, who make up the majority of the country’s citizens.

Francis Adepo, youth chairperson of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), described the trend as evidence that “the younger generation is yearning for unstoppable change.”

Sarah Birete, head of the Center for Constitutional Governance, called it “healthy for democracy” that young people are competing for national leadership roles.

Former Makerere University Guild President Shamim Nambasa stressed that for decades, Uganda’s leadership has been dominated by older politicians. “We, the youth, have yet to see meaningful decisions made in our favour,” she said.

Economic Realities Driving the Movement

According to Uganda’s most recent census, there are 23.1 million people aged 18 and above more than half the population of 45.9 million. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) reports that unemployment remains alarmingly high, with only 9.4 million of the country’s 25.1 million working-age people currently employed. Youth aged 18–30 account for 5.2 million of the unemployed.

Corruption remains a top concern. The Inspector General of Government estimates that Uganda loses over Shs10 trillion annually to corruption. Public anger over graft reached a boiling point in July 2024, when hundreds of young people were arrested during an anti-corruption march to parliament in Kampala. Protesters demanded the resignation of Speaker Anita Among, who has denied allegations of corruption.

Promises for a “New Uganda”

The new generation of presidential hopefuls is promising bold reforms chief among them tackling corruption, improving health and education services, and promoting equality. Many believe these measures could help deliver what they call “the Uganda everyone desires.”

For now, the road to the State House remains long and uncertain for these youthful contenders. Yet, their determination to step into the political ring sends a powerful message: the next generation is ready to shape Uganda’s future. Whether they can overcome financial hurdles, entrenched political structures, and the influence of a leader who has been in power for nearly four decades remains to be seen.

What is clear is that 2026 may be one of the most dynamic elections in Uganda’s history where age-old power meets youthful ambition head-on.

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