KAMPALA — The National Unity Platform (NUP) has submitted thousands of additional signatures to Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC) in a last-minute push to secure the nomination of party president Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, for the 2026 presidential elections.
The move comes after the EC rejected Bobi Wine’s initial list, claiming the party had not met the legal requirement of at least 100 registered voters from two-thirds of Uganda’s districts. The decision sparked outrage among NUP supporters, who accused the commission of attempting to frustrate Kyagulanyi’s candidacy.
NUP Secretary-General Confirms Massive Submission
David Lewis Rubongoya, NUP Secretary-General, confirmed the fresh submission on Sunday, calling it a “massive response” to Kyagulanyi’s call for action.
“Thousands more signatures submitted to the EC for the nomination of Bobi Wine. We shall leave no stone unturned,” Rubongoya said, praising district mobilisation teams for their “amazing work done in a very short time.”
Hints of Mistrust
Rubongoya also thanked supporters for turning up at NUP headquarters to endorse Kyagulanyi and hinted at ongoing mistrust toward the process.
“Let’s see what more excuses they will now bring,” he said, suggesting the party is bracing for another possible rejection before the September 23 nomination deadline.
The development underscores the tense atmosphere surrounding the 2026 presidential nominations, with opposition parties navigating bureaucratic hurdles while trying to meet EC requirements.
Other Aspirants Face Similar Challenges
The EC has also flagged deficiencies in other candidates’ submissions, including Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) leader Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, whose verification results showed that only 48 out of 98 districts met the required threshold.
EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama reminded all aspirants that the nomination window closes on September 24, 2025, after which the commission will release the final list of presidential candidates.
Political Stakes
With Museveni set to lead NRM nominations and Bobi Wine fighting to meet EC requirements, analysts say the 2026 race is shaping up to be one of Uganda’s most contentious elections in decades. Every signature counts, and the opposition is determined to challenge the four-decade incumbency of Museveni.
Bottom Line:
Bobi Wine’s NUP has flooded the EC with new endorsements to meet nomination requirements, keeping his 2026 presidential bid alive while the political battle intensifies across Uganda.
