Where presidential candidates will spend Christmas season

Uganda’s eight presidential candidates will mark Christmas Day at different locations across the country as the 2026 election campaigns intensify, with some contenders slowing down due to funding constraints, health challenges, and logistical hurdles, while others push on with packed schedules.

The Electoral Commission (EC) cleared the candidates to begin nationwide campaigns on September 29, giving them 106 days to canvass votes from the country’s 21.6 million registered voters ahead of polling on January 15, 2026.

By Christmas Day, candidates will have completed 88 days on the campaign trail. Although not all candidates have reached every part of the country, political activity has intensified as the race enters its final weeks.

Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP) candidate Frank Bulira said his campaign had largely stalled after his accounts and campaign materials were allegedly frozen or confiscated. He claimed the setbacks severely limited his ability to move around the country but said he hopes to mount a stronger push in the final weeks.

Mr Bulira said he will spend Christmas at his home area in Kiwanguzi, Kikyusa Sub-county, Luwero District, where he plans to pray at Darmasiko Church of Uganda in Kireku.

Commons Man’s Party (CMP) candidate Mubaraka Munyagwa cited poor health and lack of funding as major obstacles to his campaign. He also complained of what he termed an uneven playing field, saying the incumbent enjoys State resources not available to other candidates.

Mr Munyagwa said he will celebrate Christmas in his parish in Buddu, Kampala, adding that he doubts any candidate will secure the required 50 percent plus one vote to win outright.

Conservative Party (CP) candidate Joseph Mabirizi has also been thin on the ground, despite an ambitious campaign schedule that included several districts in western Uganda and Kampala. His Christmas plans were not immediately clear.

National Peasants Party (NPP) candidate Robert Kasibante said financial constraints had forced him to remain in Kibaale District, where he will also spend Christmas. He said he plans to pray at Ruza Church of Uganda.

Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) candidate Mugisha Muntu said Christmas Day will be his only free day amid a tight campaign programme. He is expected to campaign in Masaka on December 24 and proceed to Busia and Tororo on December 26, with the possibility of spending Christmas while travelling.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has maintained an active campaign schedule, covering several districts in the central region in recent days. He was expected to rest yesterday before resuming campaigns today in Sironko District.

Mr Mafabi will attend Christmas prayers at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Mbale. Mr Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, has covered most of the country, completing campaigns in 133 out of 146 districts by December 22. He was scheduled to campaign in Gomba and Sembabule districts before taking a break from December 24 to 29. Sources said he is likely to spend Christmas in either Ntungamo or Kiruhura District.

National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has faced repeated disruptions to his campaign, with several rallies blocked by security forces. Despite the challenges, he has continued to tour various districts in eastern and central Uganda.

Mr Kyagulanyi campaigned in Entebbe Municipality and Makindye Ssabagabo on Tuesday, before heading to Kalangala Island yesterday. He will rest today, plans spend the day with his family in Kampala and attend prayers at Rubaga Cathedral. As the festive season sets in, the candidates face a delicate balance between maintaining momentum on the campaign trail and observing the holiday, with less than three weeks remaining to the January polls.

Christmas messages

Gen Mugisha Muntu: We are in the last part of the campaigns, and I want to assure disgruntled Ugandans that there is hope of having a bright political future despite the current black clouds. Go and vote in high numbers and change your future. NRM spokesperson Emmanuel Dombo, on behalf of Museveni: Our President’s message is mainly centered on seven issues surrounding protecting the gains, and these are peace and stability, which lead to development.

Development enables economic and social infrastructure that facilitates wealth creation, investment, and job creation. Waiswa Bigirwa, the secretary general of the Common Man’s Party (CMP), on behalf of Mubarak Munyagwa: Our people should prepare their minds for January because it is not going to be the usual ones since we shall have the change of political leadership, which, as the Common Man’s Party, is massively winning. We urge parents to protect their children during this season, especially the girl-child, against teenage pregnancy.