Munyagwa’s Common Man’s Party Candidates Miles Rwamitti and Engineer Dafala.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
By Naome Namusoke & Ronald Kabuubi | KMA Updates
KAMPALA — The second day of the Electoral Commission’s (EC) parliamentary nominations has seen more political hopefuls successfully join the race for Uganda’s 2026 general elections. Among them were several candidates from the Common Man’s Party (CMP) , a newly formed political movement led by outspoken politician Hon. Mubarak Munyagwa, who is also seeking nomination as a presidential candidate.
At the EC nomination centre, Munyagwa’s team turned up in high spirits as two of the party’s key members, Rwamiti Apuuli, a senior journalist vying for Nakawa West Member of Parliament, and Eng. Dafala, contesting for Kawempe Southwere successfully nominated.
Munyagwa’s Common Man’s Party Candidates Miles Rwamitti and Engineer Dafala address the Media.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Munyagwa congratulated his party members on meeting the nomination requirements but expressed concern over what he called “growing hostility” and “unequal treatment” of opposition candidates during the early campaign activities.
Munyagwa’s Common Man’s Party Candidates Miles Rwamitti and Engineer Dafala address the Media.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
“We have seen our supporters dispersed for no valid reason,” Munyagwa lamented. “If the police continue this way, it will be difficult to maintain peace. We are asking the Electoral Commission to come out and restrain the police because their interference is creating tension.”
Munyagwa emphasized that the Common Man’s Party remains committed to peaceful and lawful engagement but warned that continued obstruction could provoke unnecessary confrontation ahead of the official campaign period.
Munyagwa’s Common Man’s Party Candidates Miles Rwamitti and Engineer Dafala address the Media.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
“We are a peaceful party,” he stressed, “but if our right to assemble and address voters continues to be violated, then we shall not just fold our hands. The Commission must ensure a level playing field for all.”
Munyagwa’s Common Man’s Party Candidates Miles Rwamitti and Engineer Dafala address the Media.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
Meanwhile, the Common Man’s Party, which is positioning itself as a voice for ordinary Ugandans, says it will continue its grassroots mobilization drive across regions focusing on issues such as unemployment, corruption, and economic inequality.
Munyagwa’s Common Man’s Party Candidates Miles Rwamitti and Engineer Dafala address the Media.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
A Growing Political Force?
Founded earlier this year, Munyagwa’s Common Man’s Party has quickly gained traction among youth and informal sector workers who feel excluded from mainstream political spaces. For now, the nomination of Rwamiti Apuuli and Eng. Dafala marks a milestone for the young party as it prepares to field candidates across several constituencies. Munyagwa, however, insists the fight for fairness is far from over.
“We want to participate in a peaceful, democratic process,” he said firmly. “But peace must come with justice.”