EC Chairperson Justice Byabakama Announces Final Preparations for Nomination of Parliamentary Candidates, 2026 Elections Set for January 15

The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that the nomination of candidates for the 2026 Parliamentary Elections will take place this week, marking another key milestone in Uganda’s electoral roadmap.

According to the EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, nominations will be conducted on Wednesday, 22nd and Thursday, 23rd October 2025, at all district and city headquarters across the country, from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily.

Justice Byabakama made the announcement during a press briefing held at the Commission headquarters in Kampala, where he provided detailed updates on the nomination procedures, requirements, and the overall readiness of the Commission ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

Nomination of Parliamentary Candidates

The nomination exercise will cover all elective positions for Members of Parliament, including:

Directly-elected Members of Parliament – 353 constituencies

District Woman Representatives – 146 districts and cities

Representatives of Older Persons – 5 positions

Representatives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) – 5 positions

Representatives of Workers – 5 positions

Representatives of Youth – 5 positions

Justice Byabakama emphasized that all aspiring candidates must be Ugandan citizens and registered voters. Each nomination will be submitted by two registered voters appearing in person before the Returning Officer, accompanied by the necessary documents as prescribed by law.

Nomination Requirements

Aspirants are required to submit:

A nomination paper in triplicate, containing the aspirant’s full details, designated address for service, and an appointed agent who must consent in writing.

At least ten (10) registered voters’ signatures from the constituency supporting the nomination.

A statement under oath confirming the aspirant’s Ugandan citizenship, age (18 years or above), and consent to be nominated.

Proof of political party sponsorship where applicable, or indication of independent candidature.

Payment of the nomination fee of UGX 3,000,000, made through the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Non-Tax Revenue system via authorized banks.

Two recent passport-sized colour photographs of the aspirant.

Certified academic documents showing a minimum qualification of Advanced Level (A’ Level) or its equivalent.

A certificate of equivalence from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for qualifications obtained outside Uganda.

Proof of resignation for public officers intending to contest.

Justice Byabakama cautioned aspirants against making payments to local administration accounts and reiterated that only URA-authorized bank receipts will be accepted by the Returning Officers. Aspirants who have already made payments are not required to travel to EC Headquarters for verification, as Returning Officers will handle the process locally.

He also reminded candidates that only two vehicles per aspirant, each carrying a maximum of ten people, will be allowed during nomination, and each vehicle must display police-issued stickers.

Nomination of Special Interest Group (SIG) Representatives

Nominations for Special Interest Groups (SIGs) — Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, Workers, and Youth — will also take place on 22nd and 23rd October 2025, at the EC Headquarters in Kampala, between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

However, the nomination of candidates representing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will be conducted at a later date, in accordance with Section 9 of the Parliamentary Elections Act.

The EC has made available detailed nomination guidelines for each SIG category at all district offices and on its website (www.ec.or.ug ).

Help Desk for Queries and Complaints

To facilitate the smooth running of the nomination process, the EC has established a Query and Complaints Desk at its headquarters. The desk will assist in the verification of aspirants and their supporters on the National Voters’ Register, provide legal guidance, and handle general inquiries during the nomination period.

The public can access assistance through the following lines:

0800 300121 (Toll-free)

0800 300122 (Toll-free)

0392 004158 (Regular line)

0393 280488 (Regular line)

The help desk will operate daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm during the nomination period.

Campaigns and Harmonisation of Programmes

Upon successful nomination, Returning Officers across all districts will hold meetings between 24th and 27th October 2025 with all nominated candidates to harmonise campaign programmes.

Campaigns for parliamentary candidates will officially run from 10th November 2025 to 13th January 2026.

Justice Byabakama urged all aspirants to conduct their campaign meetings in full compliance with traffic regulations and public order laws.

Polling Day Announced

The EC Chairperson officially announced that Thursday, 15th January 2026, will be the Polling Day for both Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

This follows the successful nomination of presidential candidates on 23rd and 24th September 2025 and the peaceful start of presidential campaigns on 29th September 2025.

Justice Byabakama commended presidential candidates, security agencies, and the public for the calm and orderly manner in which campaigns have so far been conducted.

He further revealed that Delegates’ Conferences for the election of SIG Representatives will be held between 13th January and 9th February 2026, with specific dates to be announced soon.

Call for Peaceful and Orderly Elections

In his closing remarks, Justice Byabakama appealed to all political actors, supporters, and the public to uphold peace, dignity, and mutual respect during the nomination, campaign, and voting periods.

“The Electoral Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to conducting the 2025/2026 General Elections with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism,” he stated.

He urged all stakeholders to adhere to the nomination requirements and timelines to avoid last-minute challenges, emphasizing the Commission’s readiness to deliver credible elections that reflect the will of the people.