EC Speaks on Candidate Nominations for 2025/2026 General Elections

The Electoral Commission (EC) has provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing nomination of candidates for the 2025/2026 General Elections, highlighting progress, timelines, and key requirements for aspirants at all levels of government.

Addressing the media at the EC headquarters, officials confirmed that the nomination exercise for Local Government Council positions began on 3rd September 2025 and will run until 24th September 2025. The first phase, covering District/City Chairpersons, Lord Mayor, and Councillors, concluded on 5th September, while nominations for Municipality/City Division Chairpersons and Councillors are ongoing until 10th September.

The final phase for Municipal Division, Sub-County, and Town Council positions will run from 11th to 24th September at gazetted nomination centers.

The Commission announced that nominations for Presidential Elections will take place on 23rd and 24th September 2025 at the EC Headquarters in Lubowa, Wakiso District. Aspirants must be Ugandan citizens by birth, registered voters aged 18 or above, and possess at least an A-Level education or its equivalent certified by the National Council for Higher Education.

Additionally, Presidential candidates are required to submit signatures of at least 100 registered voters from 98 districts—representing two-thirds of Uganda’s districts—by 10th September 2025 for verification before nomination dates.

“The Commission congratulates candidates already nominated and urges all aspirants to comply with guidelines as we move into the campaign phase,” said EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon who was flanked by members of the Commission.

He also cautioned against airing grievances through the media, urging aggrieved parties to submit official written complaints to the Commission for redress. A Query/Complaints Desk with toll-free lines (0800 300121, 0800 300122) has been established to handle nomination-related concerns between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.

Key reminders for aspirants include paying nomination fees in advance, ensuring symbol allocation at nomination centers, limiting nomination convoys to two vehicles, and following procedures for candidate withdrawal where necessary.

With polling scheduled between 12th January and 9th February 2026, the EC emphasized the need for peace and compliance throughout the electoral process, warning against actions that could disrupt national stability.