By Editorial,
Presidential rivals in the 2026 polls could face off in a presidential candidates’ debate being considered by the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue. (IPOD).
If it takes place, the presidential candidates’ debate could be the third to be held in Uganda since Uganda returned to multiparty politics.
The debate, whose schedule is yet to be confirmed ahead of the January 2026 general polls, will mark Uganda’s third attempt to institutionalize presidential debates, a democratic practice that has struggled to gain traction since its introduction in 2016.
Dr. Lawrence Sserwambala Kabagabe, the IPOD Executive Director, said the initiative aligns with the organization’s Memorandum of Understanding under which member parties, including the NRM, FDC, DP, UPC, and JEEMA, committed to supporting political dialogue and structured public engagement as a cornerstone of democracy.
Dr. Kabagabe speaking……
He acknowledged that the success of the event will depend on factors such as candidate participation, neutrality of moderators, media coverage, and public confidence in the debate’s fairness. END
