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A surprising wave of youthful presidential ambition is sweeping through Uganda. On August 11, 2025, at the Electoral Commission’s offices, more than 50 Ugandans, including nearly 10 members of Generation Z, collected presidential nomination forms, signaling their intent to challenge President Yoweri Museveni, whose rule nears four decades. Their entry marks an unprecedented surge of young contenders aiming to reshape Uganda’s political future.
Young Voices Take the Stage
Among the youngest is 20-year-old Jorine Najjemba, a recent high school graduate. Her campaign slogan, “Open Door New Uganda for Everyone,” channels frustration with what she calls a government full of rude and arrogant individuals.
Also stepping forward is 22-year-old Abigail Ayeza, a university student whose candidacy reportedly annoyed her parents, driven by the government’s failure to tackle unemployment and poverty.
Pauline Nankambwe, 24 and a student at Uganda Christian University, highlighted the glaring misalignment of priorities, pointing out that the government focuses on clearing roads for the president instead of easing traffic congestion for citizens.
Others with bold pledges include Wycliffe Kasaijja, also 24, who supports imposing the death penalty for corruption, and Alvin Mivue, a law student with ambitions to strengthen Pan-Africanism and regional trade.
The Rigors of Candidacy
The Electoral Commission, through spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, confirmed that forms can be collected personally or via appointed representatives. Nomination requires 100 signatures from registered voters in two-thirds of Uganda’s districts and the payment of a Shs 20 million fee. Final nominations are scheduled for September 23–24, 2025, at the EC’s Lweza offices near Entebbe.
Challenges Ahead for Young Aspirants
Many of the young hopefuls admit the financial burden is a major hurdle. Campaign costs reportedly exceed one billion shillings, forcing reliance on public donations.
Still, their bold step forward underscores deep-seated frustration among Uganda’s youth. The Forum for Democratic Change’s youth chairperson, Francis Adepo, sees their candidacies as evidence of “yearning for unstoppable change.” Political analyst Sarah Birete of the Center for Constitutional Governance calls the youth participation “healthy for democracy.” Former Makerere Guild president Shamim Nambasa adds: “For decades, leadership in Uganda has been dominated by the older generation. We, the youth, have yet to see meaningful decisions made in our favour.”
Uganda’s Youth: A Changing Electorate
Uganda’s latest census reveals that more than half of its 45.9 million people are aged 18 and over, yet only 9.4 million of the 25.1 million working-age population are employed. With youth unemployment high and corruption costing the country over Shs 10 trillion annually, young people see real stakes in governance and leadership.
A Reflective Look Forward
The entry of Gen Z candidates into the presidential race signals a potent shift in Uganda’s politics. Though they face hurdles such as financial constraints, limited experience, and the might of a long-standing incumbent, these young voices represent a generational turning point. Their campaign themes of anti-corruption, equality, and improved services resonate widely, and their courage may well inspire broader participation and reform.
As the 2026 election looms on January 12, the impact of these youthful aspirants remains to be seen. Will they secure significant support, influence the debate, or simply pave the way for future political change? For now, their presence alone is a bold reminder that Uganda’s future may well be in the hands of a new generation.
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