By the close of yesterday, a total of 35 presidential aspirants had submitted their supporter lists to the Electoral Commission for verification. The submissions reflect a mix of candidates from political parties and independents, highlighting the diversity of contenders in the upcoming elections.
Out of the 35 aspirants, 13 represent various political parties, while 22 are running as independents. This indicates a strong presence of non-partisan candidates who are taking on the challenge of vying for the presidency outside traditional party structures. Interestingly, among all the aspirants, only one is a woman, showing the gender imbalance that still exists in the race for the nation’s highest office.
The verification process took place over several days, starting from September 8, 2025, and continuing through September 17, 2025. During this period, aspirants from both established parties like NUP, FDC, NRM, UPC, and newer or smaller parties such as COSEVO, IDP, and PPP brought in their lists for scrutiny by the Electoral Commission.
Some notable names among the aspirants include Bobi Wine (Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert) from NUP, Yoweri Museveni from NRM, and several independent candidates like Busiku Basil Godfrey and Katushabe Ronald. These names show a mix of experienced politicians and fresh faces seeking national leadership.
The aspirants’ supporter lists are essential for the verification process, as they demonstrate that each candidate has met the minimum requirements to run for the presidency. These lists are checked thoroughly to ensure authenticity and compliance with the Electoral Commission’s rules.
The fact that the majority of candidates are independents may signal growing voter dissatisfaction with traditional political parties or a desire for new leadership styles. However, party-affiliated aspirants still hold significant influence due to their organizational support and existing political structures.
This year’s race also shows a slow but continuing need to encourage women’s participation in politics. With only one female aspirant out of 35, gender representation remains a challenge in Uganda’s political landscape. Advocates for gender equality have repeatedly called for more inclusive policies to empower women to take part in high-level leadership roles.
As the 2026 elections approach, the verification of supporter lists marks a critical step in ensuring a credible, transparent, and competitive electoral process. The public and political analysts will be watching closely to see how these aspirants perform as they campaign across the country.
With the submissions now verified, attention will shift to the campaigning phase, where both party-backed and independent candidates will aim to win the hearts and minds of voters. The diversity of aspirants promises a dynamic and unpredictable election, making Uganda’s political future an exciting story to follow.
