Former Kawempe South Member of Parliament, Mubarak Munyagwa, has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency in Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
He made the announcement on Tuesday during the launch of his newly rebranded political outfit, The Common Man’s Party, at Jacaranda Gardens in Rubaga.
The Common Man’s Party is a rebrand of the former Economic Party, and its new symbol a “lusaniya” (a traditional shared food tray) is intended to reflect the competitive and often chaotic nature of Ugandan politics.
Party leaders explained that the symbol represents how many politicians scramble for the same interests, with little regard for the people they serve.
Speaking at the launch, Munyagwa addressed critics who accused him of betraying longtime opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
“I’ve heard rumors that I betrayed Dr. Besigye. Do you know how far we’ve come? In fact, it’s those spreading these claims who used to call him a mole. Now that he’s in prison, they rush to Luzira pretending to love him,” Munyagwa stated.
He clarified that the party’s objective is not to fight fellow opposition parties or leaders but to challenge the long-standing rule of President Yoweri Museveni.
“We are not here to fight any political party or politician. Our main target is President Museveni. He either steps down willingly or prepares for a serious battle,” he warned.
Dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and red tie, Munyagwa oversaw the swearing-in of party leaders and the unveiling of the party’s structure.
Among the newly appointed leaders is former NUP member Moses Bigirwa, who was named Secretary General.
However, the launch stirred mixed reactions online. Images of party leaders eating rice from a shared tray a nod to the party’s symbol sparked amusement and mockery across social media.
Critics also questioned the party’s choice of red as its primary color, closely resembling that of the National Unity Platform (NUP), leading to speculation about its political intentions.
Munyagwa joins a growing list of politicians and public figures eyeing the presidency in 2026, including Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko.
His entry comes amid a surge in new political formations.
So far this year, Uganda has seen the emergence of four new parties: Mathias Mpuuga’s Democratic Front (DF), Stecia Mayanja’s Peasants Party, Erias Lukwago’s People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Nsereko’s Ecological Party, and now Munyagwa’s Common Man’s Party.
