As the 2026 general elections draw nearer, the political landscape is witnessing a surge in the number of independent candidates, with prominent opposition politicians finding themselves caught in the middle of internal discord within their respective political parties.
Political analysts and insiders are cautioning that this growing trend of high turnover among independent candidates could reshape the upcoming electoral battle.
Notable parties such as the Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People's Congress (UPC), and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have all become emblematic of this internal rift, leaving their members at a crossroads.
Dr. Lulume Bayigga, caretaker of the DP, expressed the disillusionment within the party.
“DP members were abandoned by all the top party executives that are now in bed with the NRM,” he stated.
Harold Kaija, Secretary-General of the FDC's Katonga faction, further emphasized the prevailing situation within the FDC, while Jonathan Odur, a UPC MP, highlighted the internal divisions among UPC members.
The primary bone of contention is the scramble for top leadership positions, with each faction asserting its claim as the rightful leadership, thereby refusing to acknowledge the other faction's legitimacy.
The approaching 2026 general elections have given rise to pressing questions regarding where these politicians at the crossroads will secure their party tickets. Will these conflicting elements come to a compromise and unite behind a common cause?
"We cannot turn to a serving minister in Museveni's government to ask for party cards. We shall form an interim leadership that will hold a national delegates conference to elect genuine party heads,” Dr. Lulume argued.
Harold Kaija from the FDC and Jonathan Odur from the UPC have not provided specific plans regarding ticket allocation in their respective parties.
As the political storm for 2026 continues to gather momentum, political enthusiasts and analysts, Sam Muyizi, and Jocelyn Ekochu, foresee a surge in independent candidates.
The influential leaders entangled in party bickering may be denied party tickets, and switching to other parties might prove to be a challenging endeavor as destination parties might not be welcoming.
"Can leadership in parties like NUP accord space to probable presidential candidates from the bickering parties? Can even MPs in NUP surrender their constituencies to those entering the party? It ceases to be an easy walk,” Muyizi questioned.
"The solution is one. Let them form another political party," Ekochu echoed.
Though the clock is ticking towards 2026, politicians and enthusiasts believe there is still room for correction through a round-table discussion.