By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
A former Makerere University Business School (MUBS) 27th Guild Electoral Commission Chairperson, Magezi David William has officially hit the ground running and announced his candidacy for the 2026 presidential elections in Uganda. The youthful aspirant made the declaration during a press conference held at the University on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
“I now declare my candidature to run for the presidency of this country,” Magezi boldly stated.
Running as an independent candidate, Magezi’s campaign will be under the slogan: “Rise With Us – Make Uganda the Pearl Again”, abbreviated as the MUPA Campaign.
Outlining his vision for Uganda, Magezi shared a glimpse of his manifesto, which is anchored on a Five-Point Program:
1. Fighting Corruption
2. Investing in Education and Health Systems
3. Good Governance and Accountability
4. Security, Unity and National Patriotism
5. Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Development
He expressed confidence that these points would steer Uganda towards prosperity and restore its status as the “Pearl of Africa.”
He emphasized that his administration would prioritize education, agriculture, trade, and tourism as key drivers of socio-economic transformation.
The presidential hopeful also criticized President Museveni’s government, accusing it of keeping Ugandans in abject poverty, which he argued has hindered national development. Magezi proposed reforms, including the introduction of a fixed economic system policy to protect locals from competing with foreigners for jobs. He believes this policy would address the high unemployment rate among the youth.
“The youth, our time is now! We need a good education system that will create jobs. We must stop expecting employment opportunities abroad. Our universities and institutions should provide relevant knowledge and skills that enable us to innovate and compete globally,” Magezi declared.
He also called for a shift from what he termed as “politics of identity and individualism” to “politics of interest and ideology.” Magezi pledged to eliminate dictatorship, nepotism, favoritism, and human rights violations, promising a leadership anchored on justice and equality.
Rallying support from the youth and Ugandans yearning for fundamental change, Magezi said, “I have the vision to transform this country in this digital era. I am not the best, nor do I claim to be, but I am the only one with the right ideology to lead Uganda into a new era.”
When asked about allegations of being sponsored by the State House to weaken the opposition, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), Magezi denied being a “State Project.”
He emphasized that his ambition is rooted in a long-held dream to serve and transform Uganda, not to fight or discredit anyone.
“We have not come to abuse or dehumanize anyone. We have come to bring ideology to the table and transform our country,” he affirmed.
Additionally , Magezi urged for ideological politics, stating, “We are not going to use satire or bigotry. Our political journey will diverge from President Museveni’s on matters of ideology.”
He said his campaigns will be people – funded campaigns, revealing that the youth and other Ugandans who are advocating for a peaceful transition of power are mobilizing resources to financially support his campaigns.
