In Uganda, the Electoral Commission has started giving out nomination papers to people who want to run in the presidential elections scheduled for January 2026. On Monday, August 11, 2025, when the forms were first issued, most of the applicants were youth . Among them was 20-year-old Jorine Najjemba, who says her campaign slogan is; “An Open Door to a New Uganda for Everyone.” Najjemba, a recent high school graduate, told reporters she has been interested in politics since primary school. ALSO READ: President Museveni to lead NRM in 2026 presidential race “I know some people will say I’

In Uganda, the Electoral Commission has started giving out nomination papers to people who want to run in the presidential elections scheduled for January 2026. On Monday, August 11, 2025, when the forms were first issued, most of the applicants were youth . Among them was 20-year-old Jorine Najjemba, who says her campaign slogan is; “An Open Door to a New Uganda for Everyone.” Najjemba, a recent high school graduate, told reporters she has been interested in politics since primary school.

ALSO READ: President Museveni to lead NRM in 2026 presidential race

“I know some people will say I’m too young or that girls are too emotional. Don’t judge me by my age or my appearance,” she said. Another applicant, Gerald Malinga, is a former Makerere University student who once sold sponges to pay his tuition. He says his campaign will focus on fighting poverty, ending food insecurity, and creating jobs for young people. Political observers note that some candidates apply mainly to gain attention on social media. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986 after overthrowing Milton Obote, has confirmed he will run again as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate. In the 2026 election, Museveni is expected to face Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, a popular opposition figure and former musician. Another longtime opponent of Museveni, Kizza Besigye, is currently in prison on charges of plotting to harm the president. It is unclear if he will be released before the election. Even if freed, he has said several times that he does not plan to run again.

Jorine Najjemba, 20-year-old girl among those seeking to challenge Museveni in 2026 presidential election

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