Presidential contenders in the 2026 general election could once again share a single stage, as the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) spearheads efforts to organise what may become the country’s third presidential debate.
The initiative marks a potential return of a tradition last witnessed in 2016, when Uganda hosted its first-ever presidential debate.
With political campaigns gaining momentum ahead of next year’s polls, IPOD says it aims to use the debate to deepen issue-based politics, accountability, and mutual respect among competing candidates.
According to IPOD’s Executive Director, Dr Lawrence Sserwambala Kabagabe, the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to advancing political dialogue under its memorandum of understanding with member parties — the NRM, FDC, DP, UPC, and JEEMA.
“Presidential debates are vital for nurturing an informed electorate and encouraging tolerance among political competitors,” Dr Kabagabe said. “They allow voters to assess leaders based on ideas and policies rather than personality or populism.”
He, however, stressed that the success of the 2026 debate will depend on several factors, including candidate participation, moderator impartiality, broad media access, and public trust in the process.
IPOD has previously collaborated with the Elders’ Forum and the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) to coordinate the 2016 and 2021 presidential debates, both of which contributed significantly to public political discourse.
The 2026 presidential race has eight candidates: Yoweri Museveni (NRM), Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert (Bobi Wine) (NUP), Gregory Mugisha Muntu (ANT), Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Elton Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants’ Party), Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga (Common Man’s Party), and Frank Burira Kavinga (Revolutionary People’s Party).
