In a dramatic shift in Uganda’s political landscape, nearly 10 members of Generation Z—born between 1997 and 2007—have filed nomination forms to contest the presidency in the upcoming January 2026 general election.
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This growing grassroots movement puts them in direct competition with President Yoweri Museveni, aged 80, who has ruled Uganda for close to four decades.
Rising Youth Momentum
For the first time in the country’s history, a wave of young aspirants—who have never lived outside the digital, globally connected era—are stepping into the political arena. Their collective action signals a turning point, demonstrating the youth’s increasing refusal to remain on the sidelines.
Driven by frustration over rampant unemployment, growing economic inequality, and limited representation, these young candidates are determined to bring fresh ideas and inclusive leadership to Uganda’s future.
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A Generation Ready for Leadership
Generation Z, known for fluency in technology, social media, and youth activism, finds its voice in this bold political statement. In Uganda, where nearly 75% of the population is under 30, the demographic is impossible to ignore—especially with election outcomes hanging largely on their vote.
These young contenders are leveraging online platforms to mobilise support, share policy plans, and connect with peers across the nation. They emphasize issues like digital innovation, education reform, and climate resilience, offering a stark contrast to Museveni’s long-standing administration.
Challenges and Implications
While the arrival of Gen Z candidates invigorates the political conversation, the path forward is laden with obstacles. President Museveni’s decades-long rule has shaped powerful institutional systems, including tight control over security forces and electoral bodies. Critics argue this entrenched advantage could make it difficult for newcomers to compete on equal footing.
Furthermore, with the presidential age limit removed in 2017, Museveni remains eligible to vie for another term. Opposition unity remains fragile, and newly emerging youth-led campaigns will need to navigate a fractured political ecosystem.
Museveni’s Long Shadow and Youth Pushback
President Museveni’s continued dominance has sparked accusations of authoritarianism. His administration recently passed a controversial law permitting civilians to be tried in military courts, raising alarms about rule of law and democratic freedoms ahead of the elections.
Concurrently, entrenched divisions among opposition parties also threaten meaningful cooperation. While efforts to unite under a consensus candidate are mentioned, history suggests such alliances often falter due to leadership rivalries and lack of common strategy.
The Stakes: A New Era of Ugandan Politics
Should one or more of these Gen Z aspirants gather enough momentum, they could transform Uganda’s political scene—not just in ideology, but in its generational narrative. A successful run, or even a strong showing, could inspire youth participation and lead to policy shifts reflecting their priorities.
Whether through innovation, social media engagement, or authentic storytelling rooted in lived experience, these young leaders are reimagining what political leadership can look like in Uganda.
