Electoral Commission Sets Nomination Dates for 2026 Local Government Councils Elections
The nomination process will be conducted on weekdays, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m., at gazetted nomination centers across the country. The Commission emphasized that the exercise will be carried out according to the levels of the Local Government Councils, with specific dates allocated for each elective position.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially announced the nomination period for candidates aspiring to contest in the 2026 Local Government Councils Elections. According to a press release signed by the EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama
Mugenyi Simon, the exercise will run from 3rd September to 24th September 2025.
The nomination process will be conducted on weekdays, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m., at gazetted nomination centers across the country. The Commission emphasized that the exercise will be carried out according to the levels of the Local Government Councils, with specific dates allocated for each elective position.
The Commission provided the following schedule for nomination of candidates:
District/City Chairpersons, Lord Mayor, and Councillors (including Special Interest Groups - SIGs):
Dates: 3rd – 5th September 2025
Venue: Gazetted District/City Nomination Centers
Municipality/City Division Chairpersons and Councillors (including SIGs):
Dates: 8th – 10th September 2025
Venue: Gazetted District/City Nomination Centers
Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors (including SIGs):
Dates: 11th – 24th September 2025
Venue: Gazetted District/City Nomination Centers
Sub-County and Town Chairpersons and Councillors (including SIGs):
Dates: 11th – 24th September 2025
Venue: Gazetted County Nomination Centers
The EC urged all individuals aspiring to contest in the upcoming Local Government Councils Elections to familiarize themselves with the requirements for nomination as outlined in the Commission’s guidelines. Justice Byabakama stressed the importance of compliance with the rules to ensure a smooth and transparent process.
Copies of the nomination forms and guidelines are available at EC district offices across the country. Aspirants can also access soft copies online through the Commission’s official website: www.ec.or.ug
The announcement is part of the Commission’s broader preparations for the 2026 General Elections, aimed at promoting transparency, inclusiveness, and participation at all levels of governance. The EC reiterated its commitment to organizing regular, free, and fair elections and referenda, in line with its constitutional mandate.
With the nomination dates now set, political parties, independent aspirants, and stakeholders are expected to intensify their preparations ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 polls.
