IPOD plans third presidential debate.

Presidential rivals in the 2026 general election could once again share one stage in what may become Uganda’s third presidential debate, an initiative being spearheaded by the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue. The last presidential debate was held in 2016, an event many hailed as a milestone for Uganda’s democracy despite notable absences. As political campaigns intensify ahead of the 2026 polls, IPOD says it hopes to revive the platform to promote issue-based politics, accountability, and fair competition among candidates. Dr Lawrence Sserwambala Kabagabe, IPOD’s executive director, said the initiative aligns with the organisation’s memorandum of understanding among member parties, NRM, FDC, DP, UPC, and JEEMA, which seeks to strengthen political dialogue and structured public engagement. “Presidential debates are critical in shaping informed choice and promoting tolerance among political competitors,” Kabagabe said, noting that the goal is to help voters assess leaders based on policies rather than personalities. He, however, cautioned that the debate’s success will hinge on candidate participation, moderator neutrality, media coverage, and public confidence in the process. IPOD previously coordinated the 2016 and 2021 presidential debates in partnership with the Elders’ Forum and the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU). The 2016 edition was widely praised for providing a national platform for dialogue, although President Yoweri Museveni declined to attend, citing a busy campaign schedule. The 2021 debate, held under COVID-19 restrictions, suffered reduced participation and muted public engagement, limiting its impact. In July 2025, the IRCU’s legal and policy advocacy head, John Osapiri, said the council had launched a National Mobilization Strategy and issued a pastoral letter urging political actors to embrace peace and unity during the campaign period. Similarly, Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, head of the National Consultative Forum (NCF), welcomed IPOD’s renewed efforts, describing the planned debate as “a crucial step toward fostering national unity and cooperation.” The initiative has also received backing from international partners. In September 2025, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), in collaboration with the European Union, launched the Let’s Talk Peace Campaign to complement ongoing efforts promoting peaceful and informed electoral participation. Former External Security Organisation (ESO) director general David Pulkol also endorsed the debate, saying it represents “a crucial opportunity to promote peaceful elections — not merely the absence of violence, but the presence of informed, engaged, and responsible citizens.” Pulkol warned that election-related violence remains a persistent challenge in Uganda’s political landscape, threatening democratic stability and human security. The Electoral Commission has nominated eight candidates for the 2026 presidential race: Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM), Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert (Bobi Wine) (NUP), Gregory Mugisha Muntu (ANT), James Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Elton Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants’ Party), Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga (Common Man’s Party), and Frank Burira Kavinga (Revolutionary People’s Party).