As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general elections, the political landscape is set to witness an influx of new players. Seven groups have applied for registration as political parties at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), bringing the potential total number of political parties in Uganda to 33.
The seven aspiring political parties include the National Foundation Party, National Revival Coalition, National Agrarian Party, People Power Front, Shine Uganda, Uganda Prosperity Party, and National Economic and Redemption Party. These parties have already reserved their names, slogans, and symbols and have been given the green light by the IEC to collect signatures across the country.
Mr. Julius Mucunguzi, the spokesman of the IEC, confirmed that the seven groups have completed the initial steps of the registration process.
"Currently, we have 26 fully registered political parties. The seven groups/promoters reserved names and obtained clearance to go around the country to get signatures between June 2023 and April 2024," Mr. Mucunguzi stated.
Among the parties seeking registration is the National Revival Coalition (NRC), led by former independent presidential candidate Mr. John Katumba. The NRC reserved its name on September 27, 2023, and is expected to return the list of signatures within the stipulated time frame.
Other parties in the process of collecting signatures include the People Power Front, Uganda Prosperity Party, and National Economic and Redemption Party. Promoters of these parties are optimistic about completing the registration process within the specified timeline.
However, not all parties are equally advanced in the registration process. Mr. Asadullah Ssemindi, the promoter of the National Economic and Redemption Party, stated that they are still in the process and not yet ready to submit the required signatures to the IEC.
Additionally, news of these seven political parties comes amidst reports of a new political formation led by four-time former presidential candidate, Col (rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye. Although it is not confirmed whether this proposed formation is among the seven applying for registration, it highlights the growing diversity within Uganda's political landscape.
With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, these new political parties are set to bring fresh perspectives and ideas into Uganda's political arena. As they navigate the registration process, all eyes will be on how these parties shape the country's political discourse in the years to come.
The emergence of many political parties during an election signifies a growing diversity within the political landscape. It indicates that there are varying ideologies, opinions, and interests within the population that are seeking representation.
