NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, who is running for a second time in next year’s presidential election, has emerged as Central Uganda’s most successful politician in national contests, a review of election data shows (check out our searchable table at the bottom).
In the 2021 presidential election, he secured 35.08% of the vote against Yoweri Museveni’s 58.38%—a record for a first-time challenger since the restoration of multiparty elections in 2005.
That proportion is way above what presidential candidates from the Central region have managed, including prominent ones such as Paul Ssemogerere (23.6%) and John Ssebaana Kizito (1.58%).
Since 1996, when Mr Museveni contested his first election after seizing power in 1986, presidential races have been dominated by only three politicians: Mr Museveni, Dr Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine.
Hot on the heels of Mr Museveni, who is seeking relection for a seventh time, are veterans such as Dr Besigye, currently on remand in Luzira Prison over alleged treason charges, and Dr Abed Bwanika—but Bobi Wine remains the most serious contender from the Central region.
His performance in 2021 set a benchmark for opposition politics, demonstrating that a first-time candidate could command significant support outside the western strongholds—and this has been amply demonstrated by Bobi Wine’s huge campaign rallies across the country.
The data shows shrinking margins for Mr Museveni, whose vote share has declined from 74.3% in 1996 to 58.38% in 2021. Dr Besigye, despite contesting four times, never surpassed 37.39%.
Only four women have contested the presidency: Miria Obote in 2006 (0.82%), Beti Kamya in 2011 (0.66%), Maureen Kyalya Walube in 2016 (0.43%) and Nancy Kalembe in 2021 (0.37%).
John Katumba made history in 2021 as the youngest-ever candidate at 24, capturing public imagination despite winning just 0.36% of the vote.
The 2026 race introduces three first-time contenders: Frank Kabinga Bulira, legislator Nandala Mafabi and activist Robert Kasibante, bringing the total number of distinct presidential aspirants since 1996 to 34.
Most candidates have come from Western Uganda, followed closely by Central, pointing to persistent regional dynamics in political competition.
Over the years, the field has also witnessed loss. Four former presidential candidates—Aggrey Awori, Benon Biraro, John Ssebaana Kizito and Paul Ssemogerere—have passed away, underscoring the passing of Uganda’s political generations.
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