Uganda’s football federation head Eng Moses Magogo, who is the incumbent and aspiring Member of Parliament for Budiope East in Buyende District, has rejected claims that he will run unopposed in the 2026 parliamentary race.
Speaking to voters at Kabukye, Nabitula, and Ngadho Primary Schools across the constituency, Magogo described rumours of an uncontested candidacy as ‘completely false and baseless.’
‘There have been allegations that I am unopposed, which isn’t true as far as I know. That is why I am moving across the constituency, meeting voters, and seeking more support and votes,’ he said.
Acknowledging that his opponents are relatively weak, Magogo expressed confidence in victory and urged constituents to rally behind him.
‘I believe my opponents may be weak, but I am confident I will beat them in the end. If voters have issues with my competitors, that is their concern, as far as I am concerned,’ he added.
Magogo described the upcoming campaign as less tense than the 2021 elections, which he said were ‘marred by hate speech and tribal sentiments.’
Last Thursday, he expressed hope for a decisive win, while noting that security teams will handle ‘some small pockets of violence that the security team will address before casting the ballot.’
Magogo also appealed for civility during the campaign, urging voters to respect others’ choices and avoid lawless acts such as defacing campaign materials, which he warned could endanger lives and property.
Magogo dismissed his main challenger, Daniel Mulirire, noting he received only 2 percent in the recently concluded NRM party primaries.
He also referenced Geoffrey Dhamuzungu, who garnered 18 percent in the primaries but declined nomination. ‘I am optimistic of winning with 90 percent of the vote,’ Magogo said.
The Budiope East race currently lists five candidates: Moses Magogo (NRM), Stephen Bangalana (Independent), Robinson Peere (PFF), Resty Nsiro (Independent), and Daniel Mulirire (Independent).
Petitions have been filed challenging the eligibility of Mulirire, Bangalana, Nsiro, and Peere, citing forged signatures, insufficient nominators, or legal non-compliance.
Mulirire denied claims that he failed to resign from his previous post, while other candidates insisted they had neither withdrawn nor been disqualified.
Observers criticised the Electoral Commission for creating confusion by nominating candidates and later entertaining petitions, warning that the precedent could undermine democratic processes.
Magogo, who also serves as President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), is married to Speaker Anita Among, who, along with nine other MPs including her deputy Thomas Tayebwa, has been confirmed unopposed.
Uganda will hold its General Election on January 15, 2026 to elect a new parliament and president.