Francis Mawejje, a 30-year-old boda-boda rider, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of Uganda in the upcoming 2026 general elections, positioning himself as a voice for the voiceless and a leader of a new generation determined to challenge the status quo.

A graduate in Diplomacy and International Relations, Mawejje launched his bid by criticizing what he described as “four decades of suffering” under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

He promised to introduce reformatory leadership based on principles of economic justice, social equity, and systemic reform, coining the term “Boda-Boda Economy” to highlight Uganda’s pervasive hand-to-mouth existence.

“This economy is built on risk, survival, and uncertainty,” Mawejje stated. “From boda boda riders to mobile money operators, restaurant owners, farmers, and civil servants, everyone is surviving, not living.”

During his launch in Kampala, Mawejje detailed the challenges faced by ordinary citizens, including boda riders who are injured without medical coverage or insurance, traders whose livelihoods are disrupted by city enforcement, and farmers whose investments are rendered worthless due to poorly maintained roads and declining market prices.

He criticized state inefficiency, corruption, and misplaced budget priorities.

Mawejje particularly questioned government spending, highlighting the allocation of Shs17 billion to Mulago National Referral Hospital contrasted with Shs18.2 billion for medical supplies at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), which employs around 2,000 people.

Mawejje’s candidacy reflects a growing discontent among citizens seeking change and responsive leadership.

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