Uganda at a Crossroads 2026: Kyagulanyi Nominated as Presidential Flag Bearer Ahead of 2026 Elections

Nateete, Kampala — National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has officially been nominated to contest in the 2026 general elections as his party’s presidential flag bearer.

Kyagulanyi, who was accompanied by party officials and a large contingent of supporters, completed his nomination process amid tight security and heavy rains in Nateete on Tuesday.

Despite the downpour and reported confrontations with security forces, NUP supporters turned up in large numbers, chanting slogans and waving party colors as they escorted their candidate to the venue. The party praised the resilience of its supporters, describing their presence as “a spirit of perseverance” and a demonstration of their commitment to what they called a “protest vote.”

“Our supporters braved the crackdown and the rain. That alone shows that Ugandans are relentlessly pursuing the liberation cause,” a statement from the party read.

In his address, Kyagulanyi emphasized the urgency of political change, warning against complacency.

“If we surrender our duty to act now, we shall have resigned to our fate and lost the moral authority to complain about what happens next,” he told his supporters.

Kyagulanyi’s nomination now sets the stage for a fierce contest in the 2026 elections, where he is expected to challenge long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, who has also been nominated by the Electoral Commission.

The NUP says it will continue to engage Ugandans across the country in the coming weeks as it rallies support for its candidate.