Kampala, Uganda — Dr. James Mubangizi, an accomplished academic, energy economist, and community leader, has officially declared his candidacy for President of Uganda in the 2026 general elections. Running under the theme of the “Resetting-Uganda Economic Transformation Agenda (RETA Administration),” Mubangizi’s campaign is anchored on the slogan “Smart Leadership, Smart Uganda” and symbolized by the eagle—representing vision and resilience.
Mubangizi’s journey from humble beginnings in Nyakasa, Ntungamo, to academia and public service, is chronicled in his manifesto. He attributes his values of discipline, humility, and compassion to his formative years in the seminary and his parents’ hard work. His professional record includes over 20 years at Umeme Ltd, a PhD candidacy in Energy Economics and Governance at Makerere University, and a faculty leadership role at Victoria University, Kampala.
The RETA manifesto is built on 10 pillars, including national unity, economic growth, jobs for all, export-led industrialization, infrastructure, national insurance, investment in human capital, institutional strengthening, anti-corruption and proactive foreign policy. Mubangizi’s “Wildly Important Goal” is to establish a 24-hour economy, aiming to unlock productivity and prosperity nationwide.
Quoting civil rights activist Leroy Eldridge Cleaver, Mubangizi calls on Ugandans to “be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” pledging to restore dignity, purpose, and opportunity for all.
