Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson chats with the EC head of Media and Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi shortly before briefing Journalists.Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
By Ronald Kabuubi/Naomi Namusoke/KMA Updates.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned aspiring presidential candidates against late submission of their supporter lists and nomination papers ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson, made the remarks at the Commission headquarters, noting that many aspirants are waiting until the last minute to return their documents. He urged them to act early to allow for proper verification and avoid being locked out of the process.
“Those aspiring for the presidential position must ensure they have visited at least 98 districts, each with at least 100 signatures from registered voters. Once these details are verified, the Commission issues a certificate confirming compliance, which then allows the aspirant to pay nomination fees in the bank,” Byabakama explained.
Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson updating Journalists on EC Elections.
Photo by Ronald Kabuubi/KMA Updates.
ubi/However, the EC chairperson has revealed that the verification process has been marred by irregularities. Some aspirants submitted lists containing supporters who do not belong to the districts indicated, while others included minors below voting age.
“We want to caution candidates don’t rush to dump papers at the last hour. If your lists are not in order, you will not proceed to nominations. Compliance is critical,” Byabakama warned.
Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson updating Journalists on EC Elections.
Photo by Ronald Kabuubi KMA Updates.
According to the EC roadmap, after securing the compliance certificate, aspirants must officially write to the Commission to book a date and time for their nomination exercise, which will take place at the nomination venue in Lweza, Wakiso District.
Separately, the EC this week commenced hearings of petitions arising from the ongoing nomination of candidates for local government positions. Justice Byabakama revealed that close to 100 petitions have already been lodged, with over 30 heard so far.
He has emphasized that where a returning officer is found guilty of breaching procedures, candidates unfairly affected will still be allowed to proceed with their nominations.
Background
The Electoral Commission is mandated under Article 61 of the 1995 Constitution to organize, conduct, and supervise free and fair elections in Uganda. Ahead of every election, aspiring presidential candidates are required to present endorsement signatures from a minimum of 100 registered voters in at least two-thirds of all districts in the country.
The nominations for presidential aspirants are a critical step in the electoral process and are expected to be conducted at the end of 2025 in preparation for the 2026 General Election. Failure to comply with the EC requirements has in past elections led to disqualification of candidates, a fate the Commission warns could befall those who do not follow guidelines this time around.