The National Unity Platform (NUP), led by opposition leader and former musician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, gained a high-profile supporter on Monday when celebrated Ugandan musician Pius Mayanja, popularly known as Pallaso, joined the party.

During a visit to NUP headquarters, Pallaso met Bobi Wine and pledged his full backing. “I am very happy to be part of this historic moment. This is our country, and we must fight to return it to capable leadership. You, my president, and NUP as my party have my full support,” he said.

Eight candidates have been cleared to contest for the presidency:

• President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM)
• Kasibante Robert (NPP)
• Mabirizi Joseph (CP)
• Nandala Mafabi James Nathan (FDC)
• Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera (ANT)
• Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu (NUP)
• Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga (CMP)
• Bulira Frank Kabinga (RPP)

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Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, speaking in Kayunga District, said there was little to expect in terms of change from the elections, insisting that Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) remained unshaken. She argued that opposition contenders “lack strong credentials.”

Museveni, in power for more than 40 years, has said this will be his final term. He insists his legacy should be seeing Ugandans achieve “high middle-income” status.

Opponents, however, accuse him of clinging to power and grooming his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to succeed him. The campaign period is expected to run for at least two months.