Uganda opposition candidates present policies as Museveni skips live presidential debate
The debate features live fact-checking, with a male and female anchor from a local media house moderating the discussion to ensure statements are verified in real time.
Ugandans are set for a historic presidential debate Sunday night at the Kampala Serena Hotel, just over six weeks before the country's January 15, 2026 elections.
Seven of the eight final presidential aspirants are expected to take part in the debate, including opposition leaders Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP), Mugisha Muntu Oyera (ANT), Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Joseph Elton Mabirizi (CP), and Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party).
More To Read
- Uganda: One dead, several injured in Iganga campaign violence
- Ugandan police accuse NUP supporters of attacking officers at Bobi Wine rally
- Kenyan activists Bob Njagi, Nicholas Oyoo to sue Uganda in regional court over abduction
- Uganda frees activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo after diplomatic talks
- Petition filed in Ugandan court to nullify Gen Moses Ali’s nomination over age, health concerns
- ‘We can’t produce what we don’t have’: Uganda declares Kenyan activists Bob Njagi, Nicholas Oyoo missing persons
Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga of the Common Man's Party (CMP) and Frank Bulira Kabinga of the Revolutionary People's Party (RPP) will also be in attendance.
According to The Monitor, the debate will feature live fact-checking, with a male and female anchor from a local media house moderating the discussion to ensure statements are verified in real time.
Each candidate will be allocated four and a half minutes to present their ideas, with an additional 30 seconds to respond to their opponents.
The debate, which will be televised live, is expected to run for around three hours. Key topics on the agenda include the economy, health and education, security and governance, and infrastructure.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to skip the debate. According to his party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Museveni only received the invitation on November 21, 2025, after Uganda's Electoral Commission had released the official campaign schedule.
"Our attention has been drawn to an advert circulating on social media purporting to organise a presidential debate and suggesting that the NRM presidential candidate will take part," said the NRM in a statement.
"Such a debate was neither brought to the prior consideration of the candidates nor included in the EC-approved programme. Our presidential candidate is therefore not preparing to participate in any such debate."
With the incumbent absent, all eyes will be on the opposition candidates as they share their plans and visions for the country in what promises to be an important and closely watched event.
Top Stories Today
