By KT Reporter
The 2026 presidential contest officially tightened this afternoon as the Electoral Commission (EC) nominated Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, to face off with President Yoweri Museveni and four other contenders in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes election.
Kyagulanyi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag-bearer, arrived at the Lubowa nomination grounds under a heavy security escort, accompanied by his wife, Barbara Itungo, senior party officials, and cheering supporters.
Inside the nomination tent, eight commissioners, foreign diplomats, election observers, and journalists looked on as he presented his credentials, triplicate nomination forms, academic papers, passport-size photographs, and proof of payment of the 20-million-shilling nomination fee.
“We are satisfied; he has fulfilled the requirements of the Presidential Elections Act. Therefore, I declare Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, a duly nominated candidate. You are now a candidate, congratulations,” announced EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, formally ushering the pop-star-turned-politician into the national race.
Byabakama reminded the NUP leader to appoint an official campaign agent and to promptly share a full schedule of rallies and media appearances so the Commission can harmonise campaign activities nationwide. Kyagulanyi will also be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding pledging adherence to the agreed campaign timetable.
As with other presidential hopefuls, he has been assigned a security vehicle and a 16-member Counter-Terrorism Police team to provide 24-hour protection throughout the campaign period beginning 29 September 2025.
The nomination capped a tense week for NUP. Just days earlier, the EC flagged gaps in the party’s endorsement signatures, warning that only 80 of 130 districts had met the statutory minimum of 100 verified supporters per district. The shortfall briefly threatened Kyagulanyi’s candidacy, forcing the party to scramble to mobilise additional endorsements. By Sunday, a fresh batch of signatures passed the Commission’s scrutiny, clearing the final hurdle to today’s nomination.
Kyagulanyi now joins a crowded field that includes incumbent President Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) leader Rt. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, National Peasants Party standard-bearer Robert Kasibante, and Conservative Party candidate Joseph Mabirizi.
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