Former 2016 presidential candidate Elton Joseph Mabirizi has been duly nominated for the 2026 presidential race after resolving his documentation issues with the Electoral Commission.Joseph Hilton Mabirizi is a Ugandan politician, evangelist, and businessman who has run for the presidency twice. Here’s a detailed background of him:
Early Life and Education
Mabirizi was born in July 1975 in Mpigi district. He is the second last born in a family of 11 children. He attended Katwe Primary School and St John’s Secondary School in Mityana for his O and A-level education. Mabirizi holds various diplomas, including one in counseling from Aldram Institute of Theology and Counseling, and an Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering Science from City and Guilds. There’s also mention of him having a Master’s degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University USA and a Master’s degree in Medical Statistics from the University of Oxford, although the latter information’s connection to him isn’t clear.
Career and Politics
Mabirizi worked as an engineer at the Uganda Electricity Board for eight years. He later ventured into politics, running for the presidency in 2016 under the Conservative Party. Despite his loss, he garnered 24,498 votes, or 0.25% of the total electorate. Mabirizi has announced plans to run again for the presidency in 2026.
Business and Ministry
Aside from politics, Mabirizi is an evangelist who started ministry work 25 years ago, focusing on church planting across Uganda. He owns several schools and businesses, including a multipurpose skills foundation that provides training in tailoring, carpentry, agriculture, and computer skills.
Personal Life
Mabirizi is married to Winnie Mabirizi, and they have children together, although the exact number isn’t consistently reported. He’s known for emphasizing family values and balancing work and family life .
