Kampala, Uganda 09 September 2025 – The Electoral Commission (EC) today urged all aspiring candidates, their supporters, and other stakeholders to uphold peace and strictly adhere to the law as the commission conducts nominations of candidates for the General Elections 2025/2026. This call for calm comes as the EC marks a critical milestone in the electoral roadmap: the nomination exercise for presidential elections due in two weeks time.
In a press statement released by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, the EC emphasized its commitment to a “regular, free, and fair elections and referenda” but the commission also highlighted the importance of preventing any actions that could disrupt the prevailing peace and stability in the country.
The EC reiterated that the implementation of the roadmap for the 2025/2026 General Elections is currently at a critical stage, involving campaigning, polling for various positions, and other electoral activities, all to be conducted in accordance with Article 61(2) of the Constitution between January 12th and February 9th, 2026.
As presidential nominations draw closer, the piring presidential candidates are reminded of a requirement to submit certified copies of educational qualifications, including advanced level certificates or their equivalent, and academic qualifications from institutions recognized by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) or the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
A presidential candidate’s nomination must be supported by at least one hundred registered voters, with two-thirds of the districts of Uganda represented. The EC has set a deadline of September 10th, 2025, for the submission of supporters’ lists for verification ahead of nominations on 23rd to 24th September 2025. The advance submission of nomination lists and non-refundable fees is also encouraged to ensure a smooth process.
The nomination process for various elective positions is already underway including nominations for Local Government Councils Elections which began on September 3rd and will continue until September 24th, 2025. For candidates aspiring for Municipality/City Division Chairpersons and Councillors, the nomination period is from September 8th to 10th, 2025. Nomination for Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors is scheduled from September 11th to 24th, 2025, while Sub County and Town Chairpersons and Councillors will be nominated from September 11th to 24th, 2025. All nominations are taking place at the gazetted District/City Nomination Centers.
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon warned nominated candidates against making donations and engaging in fundraising functions that may be interpreted as bribing voters and as such, presenting grounds for petitions that may result in disqualification. The nominations for presidential candidates will be conducted at the newly commissioned site for EC offices in Lweza.
The statement concluded with a stern warning that the EC will not allow actions to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the nomination exercise and subsequent electoral activities.
