The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has dismissed an advert circulating on social media indicating that its presidential candidate, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will participate in a presidential debate being organised by NTV Uganda.
According to the party, the advert is misleading.
“Our attention has been drawn to an advert circulating on social media from NTV Uganda, purporting to organise a Presidential Debate for the various aspirants and suggesting that the NRM Presidential Candidate will take part,” the statement reads.
The NRM explains that it only received an invitation on 21st November 2025, well after the Electoral Commission had already approved and issued the campaign programme for all candidates.
“Such a debate was neither brought to the prior consideration of the candidates nor included in the EC-approved programme,” the party added.
Because of this, the party says its candidate will not be preparing for or attending any such debate.
“Our Presidential Candidate is therefore not preparing to participate in any such debate,” the NRM clarified.
Candidate on Busy Ankole Trail
On the eve of the proposed debate, President Museveni is scheduled to be campaigning in Ibanda and Buhweju, continuing his tour of the Ankole sub-region. The day after the debate, he is expected to head to Rwampara and Mbarara, making participation in the debate even more unlikely.
Bobi Wine Confirms Attendance
Meanwhile, NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) has already confirmed that he will attend the debate, saying he is ready to discuss national issues on any platform available.
Last Presidential Debate Was in 2016
Uganda last held a presidential debate in 2016, where President Museveni faced off with Amama Mbabazi, Dr. Kizza Besigye, and other candidates in what remains one of the most memorable political exchanges of that election cycle — a night the NRM still boasts he “dominated.”
