Presidential candidate Elton Joseph Mabirizi, and leader of the Conservative Party, has reaffirmed his commitment to justice, national reconciliation, and the equitable distribution of Uganda’s wealth as he prepares for the 2026 general election.
Speaking during NBS Face Off on Sunday, Mabirizi emphasised that his renewed presidential bid is anchored in rebuilding Uganda’s moral, political, and economic foundations.
Popularly known as "Mabreeze" by his supporters, the electrical engineer first contested in the 2016 elections as an independent candidate, garnering 24,498 votes. Almost a decade later, he returns to the ballot promising what he calls “a new era of reconciliation and justice.”
He stated that his absence from the 2021 race was a deliberate decision to focus on capacity building and grassroots mobilisation.
“I contested in 2016 and I did not go through. I rested for all those years, but I was traversing the whole nation to find out the issues that concern Uganda and how much Uganda’s minerals are worth. The main reason why I did not come back in the 2021 election is because I was doing capacity building,” he said
Mabirizi described capacity building as a process of educating and empowering citizens to understand and defend their constitutional rights.
“When I talk about capacity building, I am talking about mass mobilisation and equipping the people — educating them and making them know their rights, but also how they can fight for their rights in their own way,” he said.
Mabirizi reaffirmed the Conservative Party’s longstanding principles of justice, integrity, and righteousness.
“The Conservative Party is one of the old parties which has stood firmly for justice and righteousness, not going here and there. On the ground, I may say we have a firm foundation. We may not have a Member of Parliament now, but we are bringing more representation after the next election,” he said.
The candidate expressed optimism about the changing political landscape, asserting that the ruling government has lost momentum.
“A lot has changed from the time I last ran in 2016. When you look at the ruling government, they are all tired, and they have been looking for a solution on how to finish,” Mabirizi said.
Mabirizi further noted that Ugandans are disillusioned by corruption, calling for tougher action against economic crimes.
“People are tired of corrupt people and those who steal from them. What we are experiencing is not even corruption; it is theft,” he said.
“Arresting the corrupt and putting them in prison is not enough. After they are arrested, we should confiscate whatever they have gathered and sell it so that the money goes back to build hospitals and schools.”
Mabirizi emphasised the importance of climate action and the fair distribution of Uganda’s natural wealth, saying the country’s mineral and natural resources must benefit every citizen.
“Uganda’s wealth should not belong to a select few. We must ensure that every Ugandan enjoys the benefits of our natural resources,” he said.
He highlighted that the Conservative Party has now established roots in every region and
village, ready to mobilise for victory in 2026.
“I have tried my level best with members of the Conservative Party to make sure that we have roots across the nation. We know that we can take over the government,” Mabirizi said.
Following his nomination in September, Mabirizi unveiled a 100-day plan that prioritises national healing and institutional reform. His first actions, he said, would include the release of all political prisoners and the return of vehicles and motorcycles impounded by police.
He also pledged to repair Uganda’s strained international relations, accusing some government officials of damaging the country’s diplomatic standing.
Furthermore, he assured President Museveni of what he described as a “safe landing” should the seven time presidential candidate decide to step down peacefully.
Mabirizi enters the 2026 presidential race amid a highly competitive opposition field that includes Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Gen. Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga of the Common Man’s Party (CMP), and Robert Kasibante of the National People’s Party (NPP).
All are seeking to unseat incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
Founded on the pillars of justice, righteousness, and national integrity, the Conservative Party remains one of Uganda’s oldest political movements. Under Mabirizi’s leadership, the party is positioning itself as a force for moral renewal, unity, and equitable governance.