The President Of The Revolutionary Peasants Party (RPP) President and Leader of the Uganda Federal Democratic Organization (UFDO), Bulira Frank Kabinga, has issued a bold declaration ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, promising Ugandans a “gigantic surprise” at the polls.
Kabinga, who took over UFDO leadership following the death of Aggrey Kiyingi in 2023, his immediate predecessor and mentor whilst in exile, has vowed to transform Uganda’s governance system under a federal model.
Speaking at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Lubowa shortly after his nomination to contest for the country’s highest office, Kabinga struck a defiant tone, warning that Uganda’s future cannot be reshaped by speeches alone.
“We don’t have time for talking; what we have is the duty to act and change things for the people of Uganda,” he said.
Central to Kabinga’s campaign is his unwavering commitment to federalism. He argues that Uganda’s greatest challenge is its system of governance, not just leadership.
“Tomorrow, even if we have another president, with the current decentralisation system we shall not have any change at all,” Kabinga said.
He pointed to global examples, comparing Uganda’s potential to the United Arab Emirates, where individual emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi compete to spur development.
Kabinga envisions Uganda’s 16 member states enjoying similar autonomy and economic dynamism. He cited specific opportunities, such as building Kabalega International Airport in Bunyoro to boost tourism, and ensuring that farmers in Kapchorwa benefit fully from their globally sought-after bogoya.
“The government is not doing anything to help our people. We want Mr. Museveni to go, but we also want a change in governance. We are law-abiding citizens and we aim to change this country with the symbol of the roaring lion,” he said
Kabinga’s candidacy introduces a new dimension to the 2026 presidential race, where he will face incumbent President Yoweri Museveni and a field of seasoned opposition figures, including National Unity Platform’s Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine; Former Kawempe North Member Of Parliament Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Platform (CMP), Gen. Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Elton John Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP), and Robert Kasibante of the National People’s Party (NPP).
As the campaign season heats up, Kabinga’s fiery rhetoric and federalist vision position him as a disruptive force in Uganda’s political landscape. His promise of surprise may well become one of the most closely watched narratives in the run-up to the 2026 elections.
