Campaigns Officially Begin for Parliamentary and Local Government Elections – Over 83,000 Candidates in Race Nationwide
According to Mr. Paul Bukenya, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), a total of 83,597 candidates were duly nominated to compete for 45,505 elective positions across the country, ranging from President to Sub County Councillor.
The Electoral Commission has today officially flagged off the campaign period for candidates nominated to contest in the Parliamentary and Local Government Councils Elections ahead of Uganda’s highly anticipated 2025/2026 General Elections.
According to Mr. Paul Bukenya, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), a total of 83,597 candidates were duly nominated to compete for 45,505 elective positions across the country, ranging from President to Sub County Councillor.
“Today marks the official commencement of campaigns for candidates nominated for Parliamentary and Local Government Councils Elections. The Commission urges all candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful, lawful, and issue-based campaigns throughout this period,” Bukenya announced.
Breakdown of Nominations
Providing detailed statistics, Mr. Bukenya revealed that:
2,025 candidates were nominated to contest for the 353 constituencies for Directly-elected Members of Parliament.
640 candidates are vying for the 146 positions of District/City Woman Representatives to Parliament.
521 candidates were successfully nominated to contest for the 146 positions of City/District Chairperson.
In addition to the Parliamentary and District-level races, thousands of other candidates are in contention for positions at Municipality, Sub-county, Division, and Parish levels, highlighting Uganda’s vibrant and participatory democratic process.
Electoral Commission’s Call for Peaceful Campaigns
The EC has emphasized adherence to the electoral laws and guidelines governing campaign conduct. Candidates have been reminded to avoid acts of violence, defamation, or bribery, and instead focus on presenting their manifestos and convincing voters based on issues affecting their communities.
Mr. Bukenya urged candidates to respect the campaign schedule issued by the Commission and coordinate with local authorities and security agencies to ensure harmony and public order during the campaign period.
“The Commission reiterates that campaigns must be conducted in a peaceful and lawful manner. We call upon candidates to respect each other, observe fairness, and follow the timetable to avoid clashes or disruptions,” he said.
A Milestone in Uganda’s Electoral Roadmap
The commencement of campaigns marks a significant milestone in the country’s electoral roadmap following the successful conclusion of the nomination exercise for both Parliamentary and Local Government positions.
The campaigns will run up to early January 2026, just days before polling begins for Members of Parliament and Local Government Councillors. Presidential campaigns are already underway, led by incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other contenders seeking to lead Uganda for the next five years.
The Electoral Commission reaffirmed its readiness to deliver a free, fair, and credible election, noting that preparations for polling materials, training of election officials, and civic education are ongoing across the country.
As campaign activities roll out in all districts, Ugandans are urged to participate actively, peacefully, and responsibly in shaping the leadership of their communities and the nation at large.
