KAMPALA — Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC) has outlined strict rules ahead of the official presidential nomination exercise, marking the formal start of the 2026 general election season. Nominations are set for Tuesday and Wednesday, September 23–24, 2025, at the EC headquarters in Lubowa, Wakiso District.
Candidates must submit:
- Completed nomination papers
- Proof of voter registration
- Signatures from at least two-thirds of districts
- Academic qualifications
- Shs 20 million nomination fee
Only after meeting these requirements will aspirants be cleared to run.
EC Chairperson Urges Orderly Process
Justice Simon Byabakama, EC Chairperson, emphasized strict adherence to procedures. Candidates were warned against mobilizing processions, and only two people per aspirant will be allowed inside the nomination venue.
“This is to ensure safety, security and an orderly process,” Byabakama said, noting that police have implemented a traffic management plan, including road diversions around Lubowa starting at 5:00 a.m. on both days.
Museveni Set to Lead Nominations
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) confirmed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will be nominated on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m..
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong invited party leaders and flag bearers to witness the nomination and then attend a rally at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where Museveni will be formally unveiled as the party’s presidential candidate.
Opposition Scrambles to Meet Requirements
The opposition is making last-minute preparations:
- Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) will present Nandala Mafabi as its flag bearer after weeks of internal consultations.
- Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) leader Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu is still collecting endorsement signatures to meet the two-thirds district requirement.
- National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) accused the EC of frustrating his bid after some signatures were rejected but confirmed his team would submit additional endorsements and appear at the nomination venue as planned.
Security around Kampala has been heavily increased, with police warning against unlawful assemblies and traffic disruptions.
Political Stakes
Analysts say the nomination exercise will set the tone for what is expected to be a tense and highly contested campaign season. With Museveni seeking a historic 7th term, opposition parties are mobilizing aggressively to challenge nearly four decades of rule.
Bottom Line:
Uganda kicks off its 2026 presidential nominations under strict EC rules. Museveni leads NRM’s submissions, while opposition figures including Bobi Wine and Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu race to meet requirements for a historic showdown.
