DF Surpasses Milestone With 1,520 Candidates Ahead Of 2026 Elections

The Democratic Front (DF) has achieved a remarkable milestone in its candidate nominations for the upcoming 2026 general elections, having registered over 1,520 aspirants as of September 1, 2025.

The achievement was unveiled during a press conference at the party headquarters in Namirembe, demonstrating the DF’s robust organizational framework and its commitment to inclusive representation.

The Party’s National chairman Samuel Lubega Mukaaku, Pascal Amuriat deputy president (Eastern), Moses Kasibante, the national spokesperson alongside other key party leaders, gathered to witness what could be a transformative moment for the DF banner in Uganda’s politics.

Henry Lubowa, chairperson of the party Electoral Commission, proudly announced that as of 7 AM on September 1, 2025, a total of 1,520 candidates had submitted their expression of interest forms, and dully nominated.

“We have done good work; I think we are just over 50% of our target,” Lubowa stated, revealing that the party aims for at least 2,000 candidates in its maiden general election competition.

Break Down

Breaking down the figures, Lubowa reported that out of the 1,520 candidates, 168 are vying for parliamentary seats. Among these, 28 women are contesting for Member of Parliament, illustrating a commendable 38% representation of women in a party that is barely four months old.

“For a party that is barely 4 months old to nominate women to a level of 38%, I want to say that is commendable,” Lubowa added, emphasizing the party’s commitment to gender equity.

Local Government

The DF is making strides at the local government level as well, with 32 candidates expressing interest in contesting for chairperson positions across 128 districts.

“Out of the 32, we have 2 sitting chairpersons,” Lubowa confirmed, showcasing the depth of experience within their ranks.

Additionally, he noted the supportive presence of women candidates for these district positions, demonstrating the DF’s continued focus on empowering women in leadership roles.

Areas named

Geographically, the DF has observed impressive candidate registration levels, particularly in the Greater Masaka and Teso sub-regions, setting the stage for what Lubowa describes as “cut-throat competition.”

In Greater Masaka, of 27 parliamentary seats thereof, the DF has nominated 20 candidates, with efforts underway to fill the remaining seven.

“We are putting them under pressure to nominate the remaining 7,” he stated, reaffirming the party’s ambition to dominate this politically vital region.

Meanwhile, the Greater Mpigi area is also notable, with all three districts; Gomba, Butambala, and Mpigi, submitting district chairperson candidates.

“We want to take Butambala, Gomba, and Mpigi,” Lubowa remarked confidently, highlighting the DF’s strategic focus on local governance.

In the greater northern region headquartered by Gulu city, the DF has attracted prestigious candidates, including several PhD holders and a former ambassador.

“In northern Uganda, we registered 18 people vying for Member of Parliament,” Lubowa revealed.

This level of engagement illustrates the DF’s growing appeal among educated professionals in areas where opposition has historically struggled.

Not About To stop

However, amid these enthusiastic registrations, the National Executive Committee has prudently decided to continue the party’s internal nomination exercise.

“We are going to be nominating candidates every minute until the last hour,” Lubowa explained, “that is the only way we can provide justice to those that are craving for justice.”

This decision ensures that all potential candidates seeking political refuge within the DF have ample opportunity to participate.

Not Automatic

As the DF welcomes more aspirants, Lubowa assured that the party remains committed to transparency and integrity in its candidate selection process.

“It is not automatic that all those who were nominated by the DF electoral Commission will become the party’s flag bearers,” Lubowa cautioned.

He elaborated that all nominations undergo scrutiny by local party conferences.

Echoing the party’s inclusive ethos, Lubowa stated, “if the harmonization exercise is successful, it sends the harmonized names to the conferences where the candidates are going to stand, and those conferences endorse the candidates. It is not automatic that even when you are unopposed, you qualify.”

With a keen eye on justice for its members, the DF is indeed laying a foundation for robust political competition.

As the party gears up for the next phase of nominations, Lubowa expressed anticipation for the upcoming visits to western Uganda, scheduled for September 2, 2025.

He vowed to ensure thorough engagement with candidates in the region, promising to address all needs with precision.

“The most powerful district of Kampala and Wakiso, I want to tell you that within a few days, we shall be in charge,” he concluded, setting a collaborative tone as the DF moves forward.