Nancy Linda Kalembe, the only woman who contested Uganda’s 2021 presidential election, has picked up nomination forms to run again in 2026.
Kalembe collected the forms Friday at the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Kampala.
In 2021, she ran as an independent but struggled with financial challenges and finished far behind incumbent President Yoweri Museveni in a race that had 11 candidates.
This time, she joins a crowded field. The EC says 160 people have already picked nomination forms ahead of the September 24 deadline. Those who have expressed interest include President Museveni, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, Peace Merisha Akello, Yvonne Mpambara, Ayeza Abigail Victoria, Jorine Najjemba, Pollin Nankambwe, and Voniter Nassanga.
Kalembe, 45, said she would prioritize education if elected president. Her earlier manifesto, for the 2021–2026 cycle, carried the theme “leaving no one behind.”
The process requires aspirants to pick up supporter forms and nomination guidelines. Each candidate must collect signatures from at least 100 registered voters in at least 98 districts across the country.
Under Ugandan law, a presidential aspirant must be a citizen by birth, at least 18 years old, a registered voter, and hold a minimum of an A’ Level qualification or its equivalent.
Kalembe was born on September 15, 1980, in Iganga District, Busoga region. She is one of 18 children of George Patrick Bageya, a former district chairman, and Aida Cissy Kubaaza.
She married in 2007 but later divorced. She has two children.
Her career has included broadcasting, banking, and oil sector work in Uganda and Nigeria. She once anchored news for the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation.
In 2003, Kalembe competed in Miss Uganda, making it into the top five. She did not win, but was voted Miss Intelligence, a recognition that earned her a job at Sanyu FM radio.
She later appeared on The Apprentice Africa in 2008 and has pursued film and television projects.
Kalembe is also an entrepreneur. She runs Spring Clean, a cleaning company, and is the CEO of Mbalimbali Ltd, a Nakawa-based producer of pineapple juice and jam.
