Electoral Commission updates nation on progress of 2025/2026 nomination exercise

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced steady progress in the ongoing nomination exercise for candidates in the 2025/2026 General Elections, while urging aspirants and political stakeholders to adhere to official guidelines and procedures.

Speaking at the Commission headquarters in Kampala, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the EC Chairperson, confirmed that nominations for Local Government Council positions commenced on September 3 and are being conducted in phases. The first phase—covering District and City Chairpersons, Lord Mayor, and Councillors—was successfully concluded on September 5.

The ongoing phase, running from September 8–10, covers Municipality and City Division Chairpersons and Councillors, including Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Nominations for Sub-County, Town, and Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors will follow between September 11 and 24 at gazetted centers across the country.

Justice Byabakama emphasized the Commission’s mandate to handle election-related complaints, cautioning aspirants against using social media and informal channels to raise grievances. “Any individual or entity with a complaint is advised to submit it officially in writing to enable the Commission to examine the matter,” he said, assuring that legitimate concerns are being addressed in line with electoral laws.

The Commission further reminded candidates to comply with nomination requirements, including payment of non-refundable fees to relevant councils, symbol allocation procedures, and restrictions on nomination convoys, which are limited to two vehicles carrying not more than ten persons each.

To enhance transparency, the EC has set up a Query and Complaints Desk at its head office, supported by toll-free lines, to handle inquiries and guide aspirants through verification processes.

Looking ahead, the Commission confirmed that presidential nominations will be conducted on September 23–24, 2025, at its headquarters in Lubowa, Wakiso District. Aspirants must be Ugandan citizens by birth, registered voters aged 18 and above, and must present certified academic qualifications of at least Advanced Level or its equivalent. Each candidate is also required to gather at least 100 signatures from registered voters in no fewer than 98 districts—representing two-thirds of the country.

The EC urged presidential aspirants to submit their supporter lists by September 10 to allow for verification ahead of nomination day.

With the roadmap advancing toward the campaign period and polling—scheduled between January 12 and February 9, 2026—Justice Byabakama called on all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability throughout the process. “We should not allow elections to disrupt the prevailing peace in our country,” he concluded.