Justice Byabakama: Aspirants Must Follow Rules, Avoid Monetizing Elections
Justice Byabakama commended political parties, organizations, and independent aspirants for their participation so far, urging those successfully nominated to adhere to EC guidelines as campaigns approach.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, has updated the nation on the progress of the nomination exercise for candidates in the forthcoming 2025/2026 General Elections. Addressing members of the press, political actors, and the public at the Commission headquarters in Kampala, Justice Byabakama described the nomination phase as a “critical milestone” in Uganda’s electoral roadmap.
Progress of Local Government Nominations
The EC set aside 3rd to 24th September 2025 as the period for nominating candidates for the Local Government Councils Elections 2026. The process commenced on 3rd September with nominations for District/City Chairpersons, the Lord Mayor, and Councillors, including representatives of Special Interest Groups (SIGs). This phase concluded on 5th September 2025.
Currently, nominations for Municipality and City Division Chairpersons and Councillors are ongoing, running from 8th to 10th September 2025 at gazetted District/City nomination centers. Subsequent phases will cover:
11th–24th September 2025:
Nomination of candidates for Municipal Division Chairpersons, Sub-County, and Town Chairpersons, as well as Councillors, including SIG representatives.
Justice Byabakama commended political parties, organizations, and independent aspirants for their participation so far, urging those successfully nominated to adhere to EC guidelines as campaigns approach.
Presidential Nomination Dates Confirmed
The EC confirmed that nomination of candidates for the 2026 Presidential Elections will take place on 23rd and 24th September 2025, at the Commission Head Office grounds in Lubowa, Wakiso District.
To qualify, aspirants must:
Be Ugandan citizens by birth, registered voters, and aged 18 or above.
Present certified academic qualifications showing at least Advanced Level (A-Level) or its equivalent.
Submit verified lists of at least 100 registered voters from not less than 98 districts, which form two-thirds of Uganda’s districts.
The EC reminded presidential hopefuls to submit supporters’ lists for verification by 10th September 2025 to avoid last-minute challenges.
Handling Complaints and Observed Challenges
Justice Byabakama cautioned aspirants against airing grievances via social media and other informal channels. Instead, he urged them to submit official written complaints to the Commission, which is mandated under Article 61 of the Constitution and the Electoral Commission Act, Cap 176 to handle electoral disputes.
He further reminded aspirants to:
Carefully study nomination requirements to avoid disqualification.
Pay non-refundable nomination fees in advance.
Abide by symbol allocation procedures, especially for independent candidates.
Respect regulations on candidate withdrawals, convoys, and lawful conduct.
To assist aspirants and the public, the EC has set up a Query/Complaints Desk at its headquarters, supported by toll-free lines and chargeable numbers to provide real-time guidance during the nomination period.
Call for Peace and Discipline in Campaign Financing
In a pointed message on the use of money during the nomination and campaign period, Justice Byabakama called on aspirants and voters to resist the culture of monetized politics.
“Tone down on fundraising activities. Let all stakeholders do their part. Voters shouldn’t push candidates to give them money,” he said, emphasizing that elections should not be commercialized at the expense of democratic principles.
With the roadmap moving into a crucial phase, the EC noted that the nomination process will pave the way for official campaigns, followed by polling for Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government positions. These will be conducted between 12th January and 9th February 2026, in line with constitutional provisions.
Justice Byabakama concluded by urging aspirants, supporters, and all stakeholders to maintain peace and safeguard Uganda’s stability as the country heads into an important electoral season.
