KAMPALA, UGANDA – A new political entity, the Common Man’s Party (CMP), has officially entered the race for the 2026 general elections, with its leader, Mubarak Munyagwa, declaring a mission to reclaim Uganda for all its citizens. The party, which recently unveiled its headquarters in Kampala, is positioning itself as a movement for social justice, equal opportunities, and the revival of the country’s economy for the benefit of all.
The CMP’s slogan, “Mission 2026: Uganda 🇺🇬 belongs to all Ugandans,” is a direct challenge to the status quo, which the party argues has left the majority of the population behind. The party’s leader, Munyagwa, a prominent activist and former politician, has called on “suffocated” politicians from other parties to join their ranks and work together to dismantle what they describe as a corrupt and exploitative system.
The party’s emergence is not without its challenges. The Electoral Commission (EC) has stated that a new political party must meet certain legal requirements, including registering with the EC, to be officially recognized and participate in elections. The EC has disowned the party, stating that it has not yet completed the official registration process.
While the new party is generating buzz, its name harks back to a pivotal moment in Uganda’s political history. The “Common Man’s Charter” was a policy document presented by former President Milton Obote in 1969, which aimed to implement socialist policies and empower the “common man” over the elite. Obote’s vision was largely unfulfilled due to the 1971 coup that ushered in the regime of Idi Amin.
The new CMP, however, is not a revival of the old Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) ideology but a fresh attempt to tap into the public’s yearning for political and economic change. The party’s focus on “livelihoods” and “social justice” suggests it will appeal to a broad base of citizens struggling with unemployment, poverty, and rising costs of living.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, new political parties are expected to emerge, each hoping to capture the public imagination. The CMP’s focus on the “common man” is a potent message that could resonate with voters, but its success will ultimately depend on its ability to navigate the complex political landscape, mobilize grassroots support, and meet the stringent requirements of the Electoral Commission.
