The Electoral Commission has provided updates on the ongoing nomination of candidates for Uganda’s 2025/2026 General Elections.
The exercise, which began on September 3, 2025, marks a critical stage in the election roadmap, covering nominations for Local Government Councils, Parliamentary seats, and later, Presidential positions.
According to the Commission, the nomination of candidates for municipalities, city divisions, towns, sub-counties, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) is underway and will run until September 24, 2025.
The process has already seen the successful nomination of candidates for several positions, including district chairpersons, councilors, and city leaders. The Commission congratulated all those who have been duly nominated and encouraged them to prepare for the campaign period that follows.
Chairman EC, Justice Simon Byabakama, emphasized that while many aspirants have successfully met the requirements, others have failed due to non-compliance with nomination guidelines.
He reminded aspirants to pay the non-refundable nomination fee, present the required signatures of supporters, and ensure their academic qualifications meet the set standards. Independent candidates are also required to secure and register a symbol for identification during the elections.
The Commission further guided that any complaints or concerns about the nomination process must be formally submitted in writing. This approach, it is explained, ensures grievances are handled within the law, instead of being circulated through social media platforms.
To support this, a Help Desk has been set up at the Commission’s head offices in Wakiso to provide information, legal guidance, and receive complaints. Toll-free lines have also been made available to assist the public and stakeholders.
Attention now turns to the Presidential nominations, which will be held on September 23 and 24, 2025, at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala. Aspirants for this position must be Ugandan citizens by birth, hold at least an A-Level or equivalent education, and present certified academic qualifications. They are also required to submit lists of at least 100 registered supporters from no fewer than 98 districts, representing two-thirds of the country. The Commission has urged Presidential aspirants to submit these lists by September 10 to allow time for verification.
The Commission reminded all candidates that campaigns will begin after the nomination stage and run up to the election period in January and February 2026. It called on political players, supporters, and the general public to maintain peace, respect the law, and avoid activities that could disrupt the country’s stability.
As the roadmap progresses, the Electoral Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. It appealed to all stakeholders, including political parties, organizations, and independent candidates, to work together in ensuring the success of the 2025/2026 General Elections.
