- Ayeza Abigail Victoria, 22, has picked nomination forms to run for Uganda’s presidency in 2026.
- She says her parents are against the decision, but she is motivated to bring change.
- Another young aspirant, 20-year-old Jorine Najjemba, has also declared interest.
- Uganda’s Electoral Commission requires presidential aspirants to pay Shs20 million and gather 9,800 signatures from 98 districts.
- The race includes President Yoweri Museveni, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), and Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu.
Ayeza Abigail Victoria, a 22-year-old university student, has entered the 2026 presidential race, becoming one of the youngest contenders.
She acknowledged that her parents disapprove of her decision, citing risks, but insists her motivation is rooted in a desire for change.
“If I want to see a difference in my country, I must be the difference,” Ayeza said. “I am not being funded by anyone. I am funding myself. I am going for signatures as I lay the foundation for my campaign.”
Ayeza will share the ballot with Jorine Najjemba, 20, a Senior Six student from Nkowe. Najjemba’s campaign slogan is “An Open Door to a New Uganda for Everyone.”
The Electoral Commission (EC) announced that Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above who wish to run for president can pick nomination forms starting next Monday.
Aspirants must: Pay a Shs20 million nomination fee. Collect 9,800 signatures from at least 98 districts within one month.
Forms will be available at the EC head offices along Seventh Street, Industrial Area, and must be collected in person or by a representative.
“We expect the forms to be returned by September 10 to allow verification of signatures before nominations,” EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said.
The 2026 elections are expected to be highly competitive, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to extend his rule beyond 40 years. Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) is representing the National Unity Platform. Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu was nominated by the Alliance for National Transformation.
