Former Kawempe South Member of Parliament, Mubarak Munyagwa, has dramatically returned to Uganda’s political frontline by unveiling the Common Man’s Party (CMP), positioning himself and his newly formed party at the center of opposition efforts ahead of the 2026 general elections. The launch event, held at Jacaranda Gardens in Rubaga, was attended by a group of energized supporters and marked by Munyagwa’s emphatic pledge to champion the rights, dignity, and welfare of ordinary Ugandans.
The Vision of the Common Man’s Party
The CMP’s central message is inclusivity, fairness, and equitable access to national resources. Munyagwa, now sworn in as the party’s President General, declared that the party’s emblem—a silver platter—symbolizes a future where opportunities and resources are not restricted to a privileged minority but are shared with all Ugandans, regardless of background.
“We believe every Ugandan deserves a seat at the table of opportunity. Our logo, the silver platter, represents a future where resources are shared with the common man, not reserved for a privileged few,” Munyagwa emphasized during his address to party delegates.
CMP’s foundation is rooted in Munyagwa’s long-held activism for social justice and economic fairness. Recalling more than 25 years of activism since his early days in the Red-Top Brigade, Munyagwa positioned his journey as akin to that of Moses leading the Israelites to the Promised Land—charting a transformative phase for Uganda, and a movement to liberate Ugandan citizens from political and economic marginalization.
A New Chapter in Uganda’s Political Contest
The formation of CMP comes as Ugandan politics enters a period of crowding and intensifying opposition. Several parties, including the Democratic Front, National Peasants’ Party, National Economic Empowerment Dialogue, and People’s Front for Freedom, have emerged, setting the stage for a fiercely contested 2026 electoral cycle. Munyagwa, previously a visible member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) before distancing himself in 2024 due to disappointment with leadership, now seeks to unite and re-energize Uganda’s opposition landscape.
Secretary General Moses Bigirwa—formerly a top mobiliser in the National Unity Platform (NUP)—joined Munyagwa and echoed the CMP’s call to confront the failures of both government and fragmented opposition. Bigirwa criticized the long-standing pattern of unsuccessful opposition leadership and declared his commitment to “championing the issues of the common man, long ignored by both the government and the opposition”.
Roadmap to 2026: Strategy and Challenges
With the CMP’s launch, Munyagwa outlined a nationwide mobilization campaign aimed at building grassroots structures and preparing to contest every level of political office in 2026. The party’s interim leadership structure boasts members representing all regions, tasked with mobilizing, organizing, and giving voice to Uganda’s everyday citizens.
“Every Ugandan deserves a share of the national cake. That’s the message we’re sending,” Bigirwa stated, reinforcing the inclusivity and equity ethos at the heart of CMP.
Despite the enthusiasm, the party faces immediate challenges. The Electoral Commission of Uganda was quick to point out that CMP is not yet legally registered as a political party, cautioning that forming a party involves a rigorous legal process, not simply an announcement or gathering. Without official registration, CMP must navigate regulatory hurdles to stand in the 2026 polls, a task its leaders have pledged to prioritize.
The Road Ahead
Munyagwa’s creation of the CMP comes at a time of heightened citizen frustration with both the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the fractured opposition. He has directly challenged the NRM for being “tormentors of the common citizen” and lamented opposition infighting, filing CMP’s entry as a move to offer a serious alternative and galvanize those “long ignored” in Uganda’s political life.
Whether Munyagwa and the CMP can transform this excitement into electoral success will hinge on their ability to mobilize grassroots support, secure legal status, and present a compelling vision that resonates with Uganda’s “common man.” As the 2026 general election approaches, CMP’s emergence has undeniably shaken up the political calculus and injected renewed competition into Uganda’s evolving democracy.