Nathan Nandala Mafabi, representing the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Gregory Mugisha Muntu for Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Robert Kyagulanyi of National Unity Platform (NUP) and Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga, who will represent the Common Man’s Party, were nominated on day two.,
On the same day, the eighth and final aspirant, Bulira Frank Kabinga of the Revolutionary Peoples Party, was declared a candidate after fulfilling the requirements of the Presidential Elections Act, Cap 179.
On the first day, those who were successfully nominated were Museveni from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party) and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants’ Party (NPP).
After being nominated, each candidate was given an official vehicle and a security detail which would protect them throughout the campaigns and the elections.
While the exercise proceeded well inside the EC, there were incidents outside that included arrests by security personnel of individuals who were suspected of being intent on disrupting peace.
Among the arrested were Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana, also a member of NUP, just minutes before Kyagulanyi, the party flagbearer, arrived for nomination. It was not clear why the MP was arrested, nor whether he was intent on entering the EC or just moving along Entebbe Road, a public road.
Speaking just after his nomination, Mafabi, the Budadiri County West MP, told his supporters that he was coming to revive the economy, adding that the incumbent, Yoweri Museveni, had succeeded in security but failed in poverty alleviation.
Simon Byabakama, the Presidential Nominations Returning Officer, also the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, urged the candidates to abide by the set rules and regulations during the campaigns, for the smooth running of the process and a credible election.
He stressed that the EC would remain unbiased as it has been during the nomination process, adding that all aspirants and other Ugandans not satisfied with the process were free to engage the commission. He, however, said a free and fair election was a responsibility of all.
Justice Byabakama also appealed to the presidential candidates to submit their campaign roadmaps to the EC before the official start of the campaigns on September 29, to enable the harmonisation of their programmes to avoid collision.
European Union Delegation Head, Amb Jan Sadek, hailed the nominations exercise as very well organised and pledged the EU’s support to the electoral process.
