Rugiirwa Katatumba confirms 2026 Presidential Bid, seeks support for Uganda’s real economic transformation.

Businessman Rugiirwa Katatumba, from the Katatumba family has officially declared his intention to contest in Uganda’s 2026 General Election.

Mr. Rugiirwa confirmed to this publication on Tuesday that he will be on the ballot, marking his first attempt at the presidency.

M. Rugiirwa, son of the late Honorary Consul of Pakistan, H.E. Prof. Boney Mwebesa Katatumba, and brother to the celebrated singer Angella Katatumba, asked for the support of all Ugandans who share his belief that the nation needs to embark on a new, constructive course, adding that his candidacy will be healthy for the nation as an independent candidate.

He affirmed his dedication to lead Uganda towards what he depicted as a real economic transformation

“I am going to stand for the presidency, and I will be on the ballot,” he said

He emphasized that his campaign will focus on empowering Ugandans economically, a vision rooted in his manifesto, which he said will be unveiled before long adding that in the coming months, he will take this message to the Ugandan people and talk in detail about a responsive government.

‘’A nation that is growing and thriving will solve its problems. We must offer progress instead of stagnation; the truth instead of promises; hope and faith instead of defeatism and despair.  Then, I am sure, the people will make those decisions which will restore confidence in our way of life and release that energy that is the Ugandan spirit,” he said

The Chairperson, Electoral Commission on 18^th July 2025, updated the public about some adjusted dates on the Roadmap for the 2025-2026 General Elections for dates of nomination of presidential candidates, citing post-nomination processes that have to be concluded before the candidates get on the campaign trail.

He said that the Commission realized that if they were to maintain the earlier nomination dates, these post-nomination processes would drastically reduce the period available for the campaigns.

“The Electoral Commission has adjusted the dates for the nomination of candidates for Presidential Elections 2025/2026, which was earlier scheduled to be conducted on 2nd and 3rd October 2025. The nominations will now take place on 23rd and 24th September 2025” he said

Justice Byabakama added that “The Commission has made this adjustment after taking into account the post-nomination processes that have to be concluded before the candidates get on the campaign trail. These include: the capturing of presidential nomination returns, production of ballot paper samples, harmonisation of the campaign programs, and signing of the Memorandum of Undertaking by all the nominated candidates.”