The NRM appears to have washed its hands of the Presidential Debate being advertised by NTV, saying the party’s presidential candidate, Yoweri Museveni, is not preparing to participate.
“Our attention has been drawn to an advert circulating on social media from @ntvuganda, purporting to organise a Presidential Debate for the various aspirants and suggesting that the NRM Presidential Candidate will take part,” the party posted on X.
It added: “Such a debate was neither brought to the prior consideration of the candidates nor included in the EC-approved programme.”
The party said it received NTV’s invitation on November 21—long after the Electoral Commission had approved the candidates’ campaign programme.
The EC told this website it is officially aware of the debate and that it is normal for radio and TV stations to organise debates for various candidates at all levels.
“Candidates are at liberty, within the law, to participate in joint debates and even rallies,” said Julius Mucunguzi, the EC spokesperson.
NTV’s social media ads featured all eight presidential candidates and said the debate would be held on November 30 at 8pm.
The eight candidates are Yoweri Museveni (NRM), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine (NUP), Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party), Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation), Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga (Common Man’s Party), Frank Kabanga Bulira (Revolutionary People’s Party) and Elton Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party).
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Bobi Wine, the main challenger to Mr Museveni, confirmed his participation on Facebook and X: “I will be there to share our vision for a New Uganda and to challenge Dictator Museveni on whatever new lies he wants to tell the people of Uganda after 40 years of deception and failed promises. See you then!”
It is not clear why NTV promoted the debate—featuring Mr Museveni in its social media ads—despite having no confirmation of his participation.
Susan Nsibirwa, the managing director of Nation Media Group Uganda, which runs NTV, did not respond to our request for comment.
If the debate takes place, it will be the second since 2016. Mr Museveni and his main challenger Kizza Besigye—now in detention over alleged treason charges — participated in that debate.
It was moderated by journalist Alan Kasujja, who was at the time working for the BBC, and Nancy Kacungira, who still works for the corporation.
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