Presidential Nomination Shift Aims to Create More Campaign Time – EC Chairperson
Electoral Commission Adjusts Presidential Nomination Dates and Reaffirms Roadmap for 2025/2026 General Elections
The Electoral Commission of Uganda, under the stewardship of Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, has announced an important adjustment in the electoral roadmap ahead of the 2025/2026 General Elections. Most notably, the nomination dates for Presidential candidates have been brought forward from the initially scheduled 2nd and 3rd October 2025 to 23rd and 24th September 2025.
This announcement was made during a public statement released by the Commission, aimed at informing political parties, aspirants, stakeholders, and the general public about critical updates in the implementation of the electoral roadmap.
Justice Byabakama explained that the change in dates was necessary to allow ample time for several essential post-nomination processes.
These include:
Capturing of presidential nomination returns;
Production of sample ballot papers;
Harmonisation of campaign programs for presidential candidates;
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with all nominated candidates.
The Commission observed that maintaining the earlier nomination dates would have significantly constrained the period available for presidential campaigns, thus undermining a fair and balanced electoral process.
The Commission reaffirmed several key milestones on the electoral calendar, urging all aspirants and stakeholders to take note of the following adjusted and confirmed dates:
Activity Timeline
Nomination of Candidates for Local Governments (including Special Interest Groups - SIGs) 3rd – 12th September 2025
Nomination of Parliamentary Candidates 16th – 17th September 2025
Nomination of Presidential Candidates 23rd – 24th September 2025
Nomination of SIGs Representatives to Local Governments 8th – 12th December 2025
Presidential Campaign Period 4th October 2025 – 12th January 2026
Parliamentary Campaign Period 23rd September 2025 – 12th January 2026
Local Government Campaign Period (including SIGs) 13th September 2025 – 12th January 2026
Polling Period for All Levels of Elections 12th January – 9th February 2026
Justice Byabakama emphasized that all political parties, organizations, and independent aspirants must strictly adhere to the timeline to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
Pre-Nomination Requirements for Presidential Candidates
The Commission reminded aspirants that, as per Section 10(b) of the Presidential Elections Act, a presidential candidate must be supported by at least 100 registered voters from not less than two-thirds of Uganda’s districts—approximately 97 districts. The Commission will soon communicate:
The official start date for collecting supporter forms;
Timelines for signature collection and submission for verification.
Nomination forms for both Parliamentary and Local Government aspirants will also be made available in due course, alongside detailed guidelines.
Clarification on Academic Qualifications
Justice Byabakama also addressed the often-contentious issue of academic qualifications. As required by law, aspirants for President, Member of Parliament, and District/City Chairperson/Lord Mayor must hold an Advanced Level (A’ Level) certificate or its equivalent.
Key clarifications include:
Foreign Qualifications:
Aspirants who studied outside Uganda must obtain verification and equivalency certification from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in consultation with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
Equivalency Certificates:
Any candidate who has not obtained A’ Level education, but claims to hold an equivalent qualification, must secure a certificate of equivalency from NCHE.
➤ Note: Certificates issued for previous elections are invalid for 2025/26. Fresh certification is required unless a higher qualification obtained in Uganda has since been acquired.
Exemptions from Equivalency Requirement:
Aspirants with A’ Level certificates obtained in Uganda.
Aspirants with higher qualifications (e.g., university degrees) obtained in Uganda.
Aspirants with qualifications from the former University of East Africa or its constituent colleges.
These exempted individuals are not required to submit additional documentation for academic verification before nomination.
The Electoral Commission extended its gratitude to all Ugandans, especially members of Special Interest Groups (Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, and Youth), for their continued participation in electoral activities. Their involvement, particularly in the ongoing elections for SIG Committees from Village to National Level, was recognized as a critical pillar of inclusive governance.
Justice Byabakama urged all stakeholders—political parties, civil society, the media, and the electorate—to actively engage in the remaining roadmap activities and comply with all legal and procedural requirements.
A soft copy of the revised Roadmap can be accessed on the Electoral Commission’s website: www.ec.or.ug.
As Uganda gears up for the 2025/2026 General Elections, the Electoral Commission continues to demonstrate its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in managing the electoral process. The adjustment of nomination dates for presidential candidates is a strategic move to safeguard the integrity of campaigns and ensure that all electoral activities are conducted in a timely and fair manner.
The Commission’s proactive stance on academic qualification verification, legal compliance, and stakeholder engagement sets the tone for a credible electoral season ahead.
For more information, follow updates via the Electoral Commission’s communication channels or visit the website.
