Electoral Commission sets stringent requirements for academic qualifications and resignation from public service ahead of 2025/2026 general elections
Failure to comply with the requirement to establish qualifications with the Commission two months before nomination day will result in the nomination paper being regarded as void.
Electoral Commission sets strict adherence to academic documents verification, rejects affidavits for 2025/2026 general elections
The Electoral Commission (EC) recently issued a comprehensive and stern directive to all aspiring candidates for the 2025/2026 General Elections, outlining stringent requirements for academic qualifications and resignation from public service. The guidance emphasizes early compliance and introduces stricter verification processes, notably rejecting statutory declarations or affidavits as proof of education.
According to the EC’s statement, all individuals aspiring to contest for the offices of President, Member of Parliament, and District Chairpersons must prove resignation from public office, if applicable, and possess a minimum formal education of Advanced Level standard or its equivalent.
A critical component of the new directive is the requirement for aspiring candidates to establish their qualifications with the Electoral Commission at least two months before nomination day. This means that the verification of academic credentials will no longer be handled by Electoral District Returning Officers on nomination day itself. Candidates who successfully establish their qualifications will be issued with a clearance letter by the EC, which they must present for nomination.
Key Academic Qualification Requirements:
- No Verification Needed: Aspiring candidates holding an Advanced Level Certificate of Education obtained in Uganda, or qualifications higher than A-Level obtained in Uganda, or from the former University of East Africa or its constituent colleges, will not be required to verify their qualifications with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
- Verification with NCHE/UNEB Required:
- Persons claiming qualifications equivalent to Advanced Level Education from Uganda or outside Uganda.
- Persons with Advanced Level qualifications obtained from outside Uganda.
- Persons with academic degrees obtained from outside Uganda.
- For these categories, a certificate issued by the NCHE, in consultation with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), is mandatory. For degrees obtained abroad, admission to the program must be proven to have been based on an Advanced Level standard or its equivalent.
The EC explicitly stated: “The Electoral Commission shall not accept a Statutory Declaration or Affidavit as evidence of an academic qualification.” This move aims to curb potential fraud and ensure the authenticity of academic credentials presented by candidates.
Mandatory Re-Verification for Previous Candidates:
In a significant update, all persons who had their academic qualifications verified in previous elections will now be required to re-verify them with the NCHE (in consultation with UNEB) for the 2025/2026 General Elections. They will also be required to re-establish their qualifications with the Electoral Commission.
However, an exception is made for those previously issued with EC certificates who have since attained higher qualifications within Uganda; they will not need to re-verify with NCHE/UNEB. Those who attained higher qualifications outside Uganda after previous verification will still need to establish them with NCHE in consultation with UNEB.
Deadlines for Academic Establishment:
The EC has set firm deadlines for the establishment of qualifications:
- Presidential Candidates: August 1, 2025
- Parliamentary Candidates: July 16, 2025
- District Chairpersons: July 3, 2025
Failure to comply with the requirement to establish qualifications with the Commission two months before nomination day will result in the nomination paper being regarded as void.
This detailed guidance, which references legal provisions from the Presidential Elections Act, Parliamentary Elections Act, and Local Governments Act, underscores the EC’s commitment to ensuring a credible electoral process through strict adherence to candidate eligibility requirements. Aspiring candidates are urged to take note of these timelines and requirements to avoid disqualification.
