Uganda is moving closer to its January 15, 2026, presidential election, with opposition candidates stepping into the spotlight amid the absence of incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.

A televised debate held at the Rena Hotel in Kampala featured five opposition candidates, Mugisha Muntu, BobI Wine, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Elton Joseph Mabirizi and Frank Aburira Nabinga, who clashed on key issues including economic growth, youth unemployment, creative industries, tourism, small medium enterprise development, and infrastructure.

Museveni did not attend, citing prior electoral commitments, leaving the opposition to highlight challenges facing the nation and propose alternative policies. Candidates criticised the current leadership, focusing on high youth unemployment and calling for reforms to reduce business costs, improve transport infrastructure, and renegotiate international agreements.

–ChannelAfrica–