Ugandan opposition seeking joint candidate to challenge long-serving leader in polls next year

In this photo taken Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, former Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi , left, chats with Forum for Democratic Change, Kizza Besigye, in Naguru, Uganda. The leaders of Uganda’s main opposition parties are meeting Monday Sept. 21, 2015 in talks aimed at fronting a joint candidate to challenge the country’s long-serving leader in elections next year. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

In this photo taken Friday, Sept. 18 , 2015, Uganda opposition leaders, from left to right: Forum for Democratic Change, Dr. Kizza Besigye, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and Democratic Party President Norber Mao meeting at the Democratic Alliance office in Kampala. The leaders of Uganda’s main opposition parties are meeting Monday Sept. 21, 2015 in talks aimed at fronting a joint candidate to challenge the country’s long-serving leader in elections next year. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

KAMPALA, Uganda – The leaders of Uganda's main political opposition parties are meeting in talks aimed at fronting a joint candidate to challenge the country's long-serving leader in elections next year.

Three-time presidential challenger Kizza Besigye, believed to be the front-runner for joint opposition candidate, faces competition from former Ugandan Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi. Mbabazi announced his presidential ambitions earlier this year after falling out with President Yoweri Museveni.

Francis Mwijukye, an aide to Besigye, said they are waiting anxiously for the decision of the umbrella group, called the Democratic Alliance.

Uganda's opposition leaders hope to agree on a strong candidate who might mimic the success in Nigeria of President Muhammadu Buhari, whose coalition defeated an incumbent president.

Analysts say Museveni, in power since 1986, is vulnerable against a united opposition.

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