By Our Reporter
Uganda’s next presidential election is shaping up to be a historic contest as a wave of Generation Z candidates throws their hats into the ring, challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s nearly four-decade rule.
On Monday, the first day the Electoral Commission opened nomination forms for the 2026 election, more than 50 Ugandans collected the papers. Yet it is the surge of 20-somethings—some barely out of school—that is capturing national attention.
President Museveni, who turns 81 next month, is widely expected to seek a seventh term. His would-be challengers now include a 20-year-old on a gap year, university students juggling exams with political ambition, and young professionals armed more with passion than campaign funds.
“I want a government where young voices shape policy,” said 20-year-old Jorine Najjemba, who described the current administration as “full of rude and arrogant individuals.” Running under the slogan “Open Door New Uganda for Everyone”, Najjemba represents the bold, idealistic energy of the country’s youngest political generation.
Similarly, 22-year-old Abigail Ayeza admitted her decision to run “even annoyed my parents.” She blamed the government for failing to tackle unemployment and poverty—problems she says have persisted despite decades of political promises.
University students are well represented in this youth wave. Pauline Nankambwe, 24, from Uganda Christian University, criticized the regime for prioritizing traffic clearance for the president over fixing the country’s chronic congestion. She vowed to “fight corruption from its roots and create equality for all.”
Other candidates have adopted even more hardline positions. Wycliffe Kasaijja, also 24, pledged to introduce the death penalty for corruption, while law student Alvin Mivue promised to “revolutionise Pan-Africanism” and strengthen regional trade. Young professional David William Magezi, 25, injected humour into his critique, describing Museveni’s decades in power as “political hullabaloo.”
Despite their enthusiasm, these young contenders face significant challenges. Candidates must collect signatures from at least 100 registered voters in two-thirds of Uganda’s districts and pay a Shs20 million nomination fee. Analysts estimate campaign costs could exceed a billion shillings, posing a steep climb for youth with limited resources.
Political observers have welcomed the youth surge as a positive sign for democracy. Sarah Birete, a political analyst, described it as “healthy for democracy,” while opposition youth leader Francis Adepo of the FDC hailed the movement as evidence of a generation “yearning for unstoppable change.” Former Makerere Guild President Shamim Nambasa added, “For decades, leadership in Uganda has been dominated by the older generation. We, the youth, have yet to see meaningful decisions made in our favour.”
The Electoral Commission is set to hold presidential nominations from September 23–24 at its new offices in Lweza, near Entebbe. Whether these Generation Z challengers can translate their energy and ideals into votes remains the ultimate test.
Uganda’s 2026 presidential race may well mark the emergence of a political generation determined to reshape the country’s future.
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