TAKEAWAYS

• Mubarak Munyagwa says he contested the 2026 presidential election with genuine intentions of becoming president.
• He dismissed claims that his campaign was a money-making or publicity stunt.
• Munyagwa argues that his continued media presence and public recognition prove his political relevance.

Former presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa has defended his participation in Uganda’s 2026 presidential election, insisting that he entered the race with genuine ambitions of becoming the country’s next leader.

Speaking during an interview on Sanyuka TV, Munyagwa responded to critics who have often dismissed his presidential bid as a publicity stunt aimed at raising money and attracting attention.

The former Member of Parliament argued that his continued relevance in public discussions proves that his candidature was taken seriously by many Ugandans.

According to Munyagwa, the fact that he is regularly invited to television shows and frequently approached by members of the public for photographs demonstrates that people recognize him as an influential public figure.

“People want to associate with me because they know who I am and what I represent. That shows my participation was not a joke,” Munyagwa said.

He also fired back at those who continue to mock his presidential ambitions, noting that his comfortable lifestyle and long political experience reflect the profile of someone who genuinely believed he had a chance of leading the country.

Munyagwa maintained that his decision to contest was driven by conviction rather than personal gain, adding that every candidate who joins a presidential race does so hoping to emerge victorious.

In the 2026 presidential election, Munyagwa contested under the Common Man’s Party (CMP) ticket and secured approximately 0.29 percent of the total votes cast. Although his electoral performance fell short of expectations, he remains a recognizable voice in Uganda’s political and media spaces.

Over the years, Munyagwa has increasingly become a regular commentator on political and social issues, earning him a growing presence in the country’s media landscape.