Shut out of 2026 presidential race, Mutto rules out coalitions

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As Uganda's 2026 presidential candidates prepare to blast out of the blocks for their respective campaigns, others who had desired to also be a part of the race to State House have been voicing their sentiments.

One such individual is Dr Milton Mutto, a global research scientist.

Having failed to get nominated by the Electoral Commission, Mutto is not thinking of forming a coalition with other political movements.

He said the philosophy and ideology of his Citizens Accord Party set them apart from rest.

This was after Mutto was asked during a press conference in Lweza on Saturday whether he would consider rallying behind another candidate after being locked out of the 2026 race.

“What sets us apart is our philosophy and ideology. I want to associate with them, but we differ fundamentally, and so I am at a loss,” he said.

Eight candidates (all bearing party flags) were cleared to contest for the Ugandan presidency.

They are;

▪️ President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (National Resistance Movement - NRM)

▪️ Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (National Unity Platform - NUP)

▪️ Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Forum for Democratic Change - FDC)

▪️ Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation - ANT)

▪️ Elton Joseph Kabirizi (Conservative Party - CP)

▪️ Mubarak Munyagwa (Common Man’s Party - CMP)

▪️ Frank Bulira Kabinga (Revolutionary People’s Party - RPP)

▪️ Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party - NPP)

Their representatives have since met with the Electoral Commission to harmonise their campaign programmes. With that out of the way, the Commission has since published the full campaign programme.

The presidential campaigns officially begin on Monday (September 29).

'We are here'

Aggrieved, Mutto accused the Commission of denying Ugandans an opportunity to freely choose their leaders.

He said the Commission’s decision to invalidate his signatures was unlawful and unconstitutional.

“Today, you have demonstrated that you have learnt nothing from your own mistakes and injustices to Ugandans. Despite submitting verified signatures from over 120 districts, the EC confirmed only 25," he told reporters.

"What the EC did is an insult to intelligence. It is sad that the EC employs elite people, but unfortunately, smart people twist the law. We don’t know if it is an independent body or if it gets orders from somewhere."

Mutto argued that since the EC is funded by taxpayers, it should conduct its activities in a manner that upholds democracy and trust.

He said his party’s mission was to deliberate with Ugandans directly, pledging to continue engagements with supporters despite the setback.

“This election is not an end. We are around; we are at home to engage with you. We are not dead; we are not finished. We are here. There is hope for a better future."

'We have to follow the law'

New Vision reached the EC for comment.

In a phone interview, the Commission's deputy spokesperson, Paul Bukenya, said all aggrieved aspirants have a constitutional right to challenge the process.

“The EC is currently receiving petitions from all the aggrieved aspirants. We have to follow the law and procedures to ensure that all we do is peaceful. In a short time, the EC will give its final ruling,” he said.