The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has confirmed it will not participate in Uganda’s 2026 presidential race, choosing instead to concentrate its efforts on parliamentary and local government elections.
Party chairman Saddam Gayira told Nile Post that the decision followed extensive internal consultations and reflected both financial limitations and the broader political environment ahead of the polls.
“At this critical stage of the party’s development, it was found worthy to focus and concentrate on winning more parliamentary and local council positions,” Gayira said.
The PPP revealed that it had made initial preparations for the presidential race, including conducting an internal debate and gathering the necessary nomination signatures.
However, the party concluded that contesting the presidency was neither strategic nor feasible.
High campaign costs were cited as a major obstacle. Gayira acknowledged that PPP lacked “the financial muscle to fully bankroll a meaningful presidential campaign given its competitive nature and resources involved.”
He also highlighted what he described as an uneven playing field, pointing to the advantages enjoyed by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its candidate, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“The writing is on the wall that at presidential level, the ground is already tilted to advantage one candidate to be announced winner, and it is candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” the statement read.
The party said it will use the period ahead to strengthen grassroots structures and build political capacity nationwide, which leadership argued is essential for long-term growth.
“The leadership further noted that the party should invest more time and resources to build stronger political capacity across the country, which cannot be done within this remaining short period of time to be able to meaningfully compete at the level of president,” Gayira said.
PPP also suggested it may support another opposition candidate who aligns with its objectives, emphasizing the potential need for a unified opposition effort.
The decision adds PPP to a growing number of smaller political parties opting out of the presidential contest, focusing instead on areas where they see greater opportunities for influence and representation.
Gayira reiterated that the party will dedicate its “energy and meager resources” toward winning parliamentary and local council positions across Uganda.