Munyagwa banks on Muslim vote, prays for electoral breakthrough
By Abdul Wahid Kakande
In a strategic move, presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party (CMP) has focused on observing daily prayers wherever he goes as a campaigning tool.
Being the only Muslim in the presidential race, Munyagwa hopes to capitalise on the Muslim support to secure victory, a strategy many argue will secure some votes for him but not enough for him to win the hotly contested presidential race.
Sources close to him told the Friday call that Munyagwa has never missed any obligatory congregational (jama) prayer or juma ever since the campaigns started.
In fact, every Friday he is among the early birds in the mosque. After the prayers, he is normally offered a chance to greet the audience, and he seizes the opportunity to seek their support.
The ex-Kawempe South MP is competing with seven other candidates including incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Others include Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Maj. Gen (rtd) Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Frank Bulira of the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP), Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP) and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP).
Ugandans will go to the ballot on January 15 next year (2026) to decide their next President.
EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi has since called upon the candidates to adhere to the guidelines for a peaceful electoral cycle.
Each candidate signed a memorandum of understanding with the commission on compliance with the campaign programs.
Byabakama says so far, the national electoral body is happy with the campaigns because they are very peaceful unlike the previous electoral cycle.
“We urge the candidates to uphold the discipline exhibited so far for a peaceful electoral cycle,” Byabakama said.
Since October 1962 when Uganda obtained independence, it has had nine presidents. However, Idi Amin remains the only Muslim president.
Amin became president after lodging a successful coup, overthrowing Milton Obote. He ruled the country between 1972 to 1979 when he was overthrown.
