Electoral Commission details strict guidelines for 2026 presidential nominations – here is what aspirants must have and must do to get nominated

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced its final preparations for the nomination of candidates for the 2026 Presidential Elections, setting Tuesday, September 23rd, and Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, as the designated dates for the exercise.

The highly anticipated nomination process will take place at the Electoral Commission Head Office Grounds, located at Plot 2508, Lubowa, Kigo-Lweza Road, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District. Proceedings are scheduled to run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on both days.

Key Nomination Requirements Outlined

According to the EC’s press statement, aspiring presidential candidates must meet several crucial criteria to be successfully nominated. These include being a citizen of Uganda by birth, be a registered voter, aged 18 years or above, submitted certified copies of educational qualifications, confirming a minimum of Advanced (A) Level formal education or its equivalent, having their nomination supported by not less than one hundred (100) registered voters, drawn from at least ninety-eight (98) districts/cities, representing two-thirds (2/3) of all districts in Uganda and submitted a non-refundable nomination fee of Shs 20,000,000.

Aspirants are also required to present a comprehensive set of documents, including nomination papers (in triplicate), a declaration of consent to nomination, proof of voter registration for themselves and their proposer/seconder, three recent postcard-size photographs, and a Certificate of Compliance issued by the Electoral Commission. Independent aspirants must also select a symbol and appoint an official agent.

Furthermore, aspirants are urged to bring a proposed campaign schedule, with a starting date of September 29th, 2025, to facilitate smooth harmonization post-nomination.

Strict Access and Security Measures for Nomination Venue

The EC has delineated stringent access and security protocols for the nomination venue, emphasizing an orderly and peaceful exercise. Only invited and accredited persons will be granted access to participate or observe.

Each aspiring candidate will be permitted to enter the nomination venue accompanied by a maximum of twenty (20) persons, including the aspirant themselves. The particulars of these accompanying individuals must be submitted to the Commission in advance.

Aspirants will be limited to two (2) vehicles for their nomination process, with each vehicle carrying no more than ten (10) persons, including the driver. Both vehicles must bear a Police sticker.

The Commission issued a strong warning against the mobilization of supporters to accompany aspirants to and from the nomination venue, explicitly stating that processions are not permitted during this exercise. The Uganda Police Force has already published traffic guidelines for routes leading to and from the EC Grounds at Lubowa.

For clarity, the incumbent President, if an aspirant, will be permitted to use facilities ordinarily attached to their office, in line with Section 28(2) of the Presidential Elections Act.

Streamlined Nomination Programme and Post-Nomination Guidelines

The EC has designed a programme to facilitate a swift nomination exercise, leveraging advance verification of the bulk of nomination documents, particularly lists of supporters. Aspirants will need to be physically present and submit any additional requisite documents for final verification. Upon satisfaction that all requirements have been fulfilled, the EC will declare the aspirant duly nominated.

Successfully nominated candidates will have an opportunity to briefly address the public through the media at a dedicated Media Center to be set up at the nomination venue. Those wishing to meet with supporters to launch manifestos after nomination are advised to organize such meetings in full compliance with traffic regulations and laws governing public assemblies.

The Electoral Commission has called upon all aspirants, their agents, and supporters to strictly adhere to the issued guidelines to ensure the exercise is conducted in an orderly, peaceful, and safe manner.