As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, a surge in new political parties has brought to the forefront the financial challenges of maintaining a competitive presence in the country’s political scene.
Experts warn that without substantial funding, many of these emerging parties may struggle to remain sustainable and relevant in the upcoming political climate.
During a live webinar titled “Uganda’s Political Financing Paradox: Public Funding, Private Interests, and Electoral Equity,” which was held on July 18, 2025, Henry Muguzi, a representative of the Alliance for Campaign Financing Monitoring (ACFIM), emphasized the enormous financial demands of maintaining a political party.
According to Muguzi, the operational expenses are astronomical, requiring not just millions but billions of Ugandan shillings.
“Political parties need to maintain offices at the national level, staff representation across the country, and media programs to promote their agendas,” Muguzi said.
Dr Lawrence Sserwambala, Executive Director of the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue, mentioned the prohibitive costs of political campaigns in Uganda.
He revealed that the average cost for a parliamentary candidate in Uganda was UGX 465 million (approximately USD 136,000) in the 2016 elections, with campaign expenses skyrocketing to over UGX 3.9 trillion (about USD 1.09 billion) in the 2021 general elections.
“The cost of running a campaign is often so high that it excludes capable candidates from participating, especially if they lack substantial financial backing,” Dr Sserwambala explained.
In recent years, several new political parties have emerged in Uganda, including the Common Man’s Party (CP), Democratic Front (DF), and National Peasants Party (NPP).
However, without significant funding, these new parties face the risk of struggling to gain traction, develop meaningful policies, and compete effectively with well-established political entities.
Perry Alituwa, the Executive Director of the Women’s Democracy Network, added that the financial barriers often favor political elites, further entrenching inequality in the political landscape.
“There’s a deepening divide between political candidates who can afford the astronomical campaign costs and those who cannot. This creates a system where money dictates political participation, undermining democratic values,” Alituwa said.
Experts agree that finding ways to finance political participation equitably is critical for Uganda’s democracy.
The issue of public funding versus private interests remains contentious, with many calling for reforms to create a more level playing field for all political participants.
