By Livingstone Okumu Langol
Photos: YouTube Screenshots\Wikimedia Commons
The debate among the opposition parties in Uganda seems to be moving toward proposing a single opposition leader, to battle for the presidency, come the 2026 presidential elections. However, Nicholas Opiyo a renown political analyst is quite skeptical such a coalition is feasible. He says the mistrusts among the different opposition parties are so deep that they cannot coalesce. Forum for Democratic Change spokesperson, John Kikonyogo thinks likewise.
The Black Star News Correspondent had a brief one-on-one encounter with Nicholas Opiyo the political analyst and these are what he had to say.
Political analyst, human rights lawyer Nichoals Opiyo talked to Black Star News Correspondent, Livingstone Okumu Langol about the possibility of a coalition of opposition parties in the upcoming 2026 elections in Uganda (File photo).
Question: Do you foresee any change of leadership in the upcoming presidential election or will it be a first family affair, from (Yoweri) Museveni the father to (Muhoozi) Kainerugaba the son?
Nicholas Opiyo: Museveni’s best days are in fact over but the remaining question is if this (2026-2030) will be his last term. His son is definitely interested in the same seat but Ugandans do not seem to believe in him, they remain skeptical about his (Muhoozi’s) succession bid.
What I believe, though, is that 2026 will be the last one where President Museveni will stand as a presidential candidate.
Who will be the political players?
Nicholas Opiyo: I am wary about discussing individuals but I know the opposition will discuss matters coalition and they will end up not agreeing about a single opposition candidate. I know there are people who may be interested including Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Norbert Mao of the Democratic party and the leadership of FDC, both the Katonga Group and the Najjanakumbi Group.
Why do you think the opposition will not agree on a single candidate?
Their differences are so deep, the mistrusts are not going to be overcome, there is no possibility.
However, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, the President of the Opposition National Unity Platform party has said he is ready to work with a coalition of the willing while addressing the press at his home at Magere in Wakiso District.
Kyagulanyi unraveled common grounds he believes the opposition can coalesce around; orchestrated corruption, abduction of opposition members, tackling natural disasters especially in Eastern Uganda Bududa District among others.
Kyagulanyi has also not ruled out mending his fallout with the former leader of opposition in the 11th August House, Hon. Mathias Mpuga whom he accuses of falling prey to corruption by awarding himself over UGX 500m in service award.
Opiyo echoed the fact noted by Robert Sentamu Kyagulanyi that Museveni uses divide and rule tactics to weaken the opposition but that Kyagulanyi asserts that the “Unity” in their party’s name is not for nothing, it is a serious slogan to garner coalition of the willing
FDC spokesperson, John Kikonyogo remains skeptical, saying there are several internal differences, and inter-party issues to address, as well as the need to assess strengths and weaknesses, and to see whether based on such evaluation there is need to coalesce.
Kikonyogo is quoted to have said “the opposition parties must resolve their internal wrangles, sort out the mistrusts, and work towards flushing out all internal contradictions if a coalition is to be feasible. “I hope by the end of January 2025, the opposition parties would have done that.”
