Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), officially launched his 2026 presidential campaign on September 24, 2025, at Kaala playground in Nateete, shortly after his nomination by the Electoral Commission.
Addressing thousands of supporters, Kyagulanyi warned of difficult times ahead, citing ongoing political repression since 2021 including arrests, killings, and kidnappings of opposition members.
“For the foot soldier we are going to war and persecution but freedom will come…The same courage and discipline showed in the past will be the same for this election. Be very sober, calm be careful but don’t show fear,” Kyagulanyi said.
Kyagulanyi asked the party supporters and all Ugandans to turn out in big numbers and vote to make a difference.
“I want every village and community to have an organized group of tough and committed supporters (egaali), that will protect our votes,” Kyagulanyi added.
Kyagulanyi tied the struggle to Uganda’s historical liberation efforts, invoking the sacrifices of past generations.
“Our grandparents shed blood for the independence of this country, our parents shed blood for what they believed was a liberation forty years ago. Our comrades in this very generation are in prison for this struggle. Let’s carry them in our hearts and minds,” he said.
Kyagulanyi unveiled his campaign slogan: “A New Uganda Now,” accompanied by the enduring rallying cry of his movement, “People Power, Our Power,” and a reaffirmed call for a “Protest Vote” in the 2026 elections.
Earlier in the day, Kyagulanyi was nominated at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Lubowa amid heightened security and tensions. His nomination follows those of seven other candidates, including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a historic seventh term.
The Electoral Commission is coordinating campaign schedules in preparation for the February 2026 elections.
According to the electoral commission, eight candidates were nominated between 23rd and 24th September 2025 and they include, President Yoweri Museveni of the National resistance Movement, Mabirizi Joseph of the Conservative party, Kasibante Robert of the National peasants party, Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for democratic change, Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation, Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform, Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Mans party and Bulira Frank of Revolutionary Peoples Party.
