By James Alomu

Plans for the highly anticipated NTV Presidential Debate have been cast into doubt after the National Resistance Movement (NRM) announced that its presidential candidate will not take part in the event.

In a statement released by the party’s Secretariat, the NRM said the debate had not been presented for prior consultation with candidates and was not included in the Electoral Commission–approved campaign programme. The party stated that it is strictly adhering to the official election schedule and therefore cannot accommodate activities outside the sanctioned roadmap.

“Such a debate was neither brought to the prior consideration of the candidates nor included in the EC-approved programme,” the Secretariat said. “Our Presidential Candidate is therefore not preparing to participate in any such debate.” The announcement was shared under the party’s now-prominent campaign slogan Protecting The Gains,which has become a defining theme of the NRM’s 2025/26 messaging.

The decision has triggered a wave of reactions from political observers, voters, and online commentators. Critics argue that presidential debates are vital platforms for candidates to present their policy positions and respond to pressing national concerns. Others defend the NRM’s position, noting that the campaign period is tightly regulated and that deviations from the Electoral Commission timetable can be difficult to accommodate.

The NRM’s withdrawal leaves uncertainty hanging over the debate, which was expected to offer Ugandans a chance to hear from all presidential contenders on a shared platform. Analysts say the organisers may now face pressure to revise the format, reschedule the event, or explore alternative ways of ensuring inclusivity.

NTV Uganda has not yet issued an official response to the development or confirmed whether the debate will proceed as initially planned. As the campaign season intensifies, the broadcaster’s next move will be closely watched by the public and political actors alike.

With the presidential race gaining momentum, the unfolding situation adds fresh complexity to an already dynamic election season, raising broader questions about candidate engagement, media-hosted platforms, and the role of debates in Uganda’s democratic process.