As Uganda looks ahead to the 2026 general elections, political heat is already rising. One of President Museveni’s close allies, political commentator Frank Gashumba, has made a bold and controversial statement that has shaken the country’s political space.
According to Gashumba, there is no serious competition for President Museveni at the moment. Speaking out on social media, he said that the only real challenger Museveni ever had was Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is now no longer active in the race and has faced multiple arrests in the past. “The only person who was truly competing with him is in Luzira. The rest are just looking for jobs,” Gashumba said.
He strongly criticized the opposition, saying they are not doing anything different from what they did in past elections—and that is why they keep losing. Gashumba believes that most opposition leaders are only pretending to fight for change, while in reality, they are chasing personal benefits and positions. “It is not a protest vote; it’s a business vote,” he remarked.
These comments have stirred strong reactions online. Some people agree with Gashumba, saying that the opposition in Uganda is disorganized, lacks a fresh message, and has no clear leader who can take on Museveni’s long-standing rule. Others believe Gashumba is simply trying to protect the ruling government and discourage those who are fighting for change.
Gashumba is known to be close to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Museveni, and he has often spoken in favor of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). His latest remarks are being seen as a warning to the opposition to step up their game if they truly want to challenge Museveni in 2026.
With only about a year and a half left before the elections, many Ugandans are wondering: Can the opposition present a strong and united front? Or is Gashumba right—that they are only in politics for personal gain?
The answers to these questions may shape Uganda’s political future in the years to come.
