The Democratic Front (DF) has officially kicked off its internal nomination process for the 2026 General Election, with a strong turnout on day one of the Expression of Interest exercise. According to Henry Lubowa, Chairperson of the DF Electoral Commission, nine aspirants successfully submitted their forms, signaling a growing momentum within the party.
Among the prominent names is veteran politician Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku, who declared his intention to contest for the Rubaga South parliamentary seat.
Mukaaku’s return to frontline politics under the DF ticket sets up a high-stakes battle against incumbent Aloysius Mukasa of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who is seeking re-election. Mukaaku, a former presidential candidate and seasoned opposition figure, brings name recognition and political experience to the race.
Another significant entry is Flavia Nakafero, who will be vying for the Wakiso District Woman MP seat. She aims to unseat NUP’s Betty Ethel Naluyima, promising a competitive contest in one of the country’s most politically active districts.
Speaking after submitting her forms, Nakafero emphasized her readiness to offer alternative leadership rooted in transparency and community-centered service.
Also entering the DF race is Elisha Luwalira, a businessman and tourism entrepreneur, who has expressed interest in the Makindye Division Mayoral seat. The position is currently held by NUP’s Ali Mulyanyama, who is reportedly shifting focus to contest for the Makindye East parliamentary seat in 2026.
“I have decided to join the Democratic Front because it’s not a corrupt party; it is peaceful,” Luwalira stated, emphasizing DF’s appeal as a clean and stable alternative.
Adding regional diversity to the list of aspirants is Shamim Nangobi, a businesswoman from Jinja City, who has been nominated to contest for the DF flag in Jinja South Division West constituency.
The seat is currently held by Timothy Batuwa of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Nangobi’s entry signals the DF’s ambition to expand its footprint beyond central Uganda and tap into the eastern political base.
DF Electoral Commission Chairperson Lubowa hailed the enthusiasm shown by party members, saying it reflects growing confidence in the party’s internal democracy and strategic vision for 2026. “We are encouraged by the diversity and caliber of the individuals stepping forward to represent the party,” Lubowa noted.
The Democratic Front, which is positioning itself as a credible alternative to the dominant opposition party NUP, appears determined to challenge incumbents and expand its parliamentary footprint in the coming election. With more aspirants expected to submit their forms in the coming days, the DF’s internal race could reshape Uganda’s opposition landscape.