Debate Chaos: NRM Says Museveni Won’t Attend—“He Has Real Work to Do

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has come out strongly against an advert making rounds on social media, which claims that its presidential flag bearer, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will participate in a presidential debate said to be organized by NTV Uganda. The ruling party has dismissed the advert as misleading and entirely unrepresentative of any agreement or commitment on its part.

According to the NRM, the circulating notice paints a picture that is far from the truth. In its official communication, the party stated: “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 party argues that the advert wrongfully implies Museveni’s involvement, thereby misrepresenting their position.

The NRM further explained that it only received the invitation to join the debate on 21 November 2025, long after the Electoral Commission of Uganda had already approved and released the official campaign programme for all candidates. For that reason, the idea of a debate had not been reviewed, negotiated, or even acknowledged by the time official schedules were set. As the party emphasized, “Such a debate was neither brought to the prior consideration of the candidates nor included in the EC-approved programme.”

With that foundation, the NRM says its stance is clear: their candidate will not be making preparations for such an event and will not be present if it goes ahead. They reaffirmed this position bluntly, stating, “Our Presidential Candidate is therefore not preparing to participate in any such debate.”

Museveni’s Tight Campaign Schedule Strengthens the Rejection

Beyond the procedural concerns, Museveni’s current campaign trail makes his participation almost impossible. As part of his ongoing tour of the Ankole sub-region, he is expected to spend the eve of the proposed debate campaigning in Ibanda and Buhweju. The momentum does not slow down afterward either—he is scheduled to continue to Rwampara and Mbarara the following day.

Given such an intensive and pre-planned itinerary, the likelihood of Museveni pausing his campaign to appear at a televised debate is even slimmer. His engagements appear firmly locked in, reinforcing the party’s decision.

Meanwhile, Bobi Wine Welcomes the Debate Stage

On the opposite political end, National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has already confirmed his attendance. He expressed readiness to discuss national issues in any forum provided, signaling his willingness to debate and engage the public directly. His acceptance adds competitive energy to the event, even as questions remain about who else will participate.

Looking Back: Uganda’s Last Presidential Debate

Ugandans last witnessed a presidential debate in 2016, a historic moment when Museveni shared the stage with Amama Mbabazi, Kizza Besigye, and several other contenders.

The debate electrified the nation and is still widely remembered for its intense exchanges and political theatre. To this day, the NRM continues to boast that Museveni “dominated” that memorable night.

With the possibility of a new debate attracting public excitement, many Ugandans are eagerly waiting to see whether this proposed forum will materialize—or if it will be shelved entirely due to the ruling party’s firm rejection.