By Naome Namusoke/KMA Updates
Wakiso, Uganda: |The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that the nomination of candidates for the 2026 Presidential Elections will be held on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th September 2025, at the Commission’s new Head Office Grounds in Lubowa, along Kigo-Lweza Road, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District.
According to EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the nomination exercise will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on both days. The process marks a critical step in Uganda’s roadmap to the 2026 General Elections.
Only individuals who are Ugandan citizens by birth, registered voters, and aged 18 years or above qualify for nomination. Aspirants must present certified academic qualifications proving at least Advanced (A) Level education or its equivalent and must be endorsed by at least 100 registered voters from not less than 98 districts, representing two-thirds of the country.
Additional documents required for nomination include triplicate nomination papers with a candidate’s consent form, proof of voter registration for the candidate, proposer and seconder, three recent passport-size photographs, a certificate of compliance with Section 10 of the Presidential Elections Act, proof of payment of a non-refundable fee of UGX 20 million, appointment of an official agent, and for independents, selection of a campaign symbol, while aspirants must also submit a proposed campaign programme in line with the revised schedule starting on 29th September 2025.
The Commission emphasized that only accredited persons will access the nomination grounds. Each aspirant is allowed a team of no more than 20 people, using only two vehicles (maximum 10 occupants each).
Justice Byabakama cautioned aspirants against mobilizing mass processions to and from the venue, stressing that such activities are not permitted during nominations. For the incumbent president, who is also an aspirant, official facilities attached to his office will be used in line with the law.
To ensure order, the Uganda Police Force has issued detailed traffic guidelines. Key routes include Kampala–Northern Bypass–Busega–Kajjansi–Old Entebbe Road–Lweza Fuelex–Kigo Road leading to the nomination grounds.
Parking has been designated for aspirants at the venue and for invited guests at St. Joseph’s Church of Uganda, Lweza. Diversions will be enforced at Kisubi, Kajjansi Flyover, Lweza Fuelex Junction, and Kigo, with no boda bodas allowed beyond cut-off points. Traffic restrictions will run from 5:00 am to the end of each day’s exercise.
Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura has urged motorists and the public to follow instructions, exercise patience, and respect security guidelines to ensure a peaceful process.
Once declared duly nominated, candidates will briefly address the media at a designated center at the venue. Those wishing to launch their manifestos are advised to do so in compliance with traffic and public assembly laws.
The EC has called on aspirants, agents, and supporters to strictly observe the issued guidelines. Justice Byabakama stressed that adherence to these measures will guarantee that the nominations are conducted in an orderly, peaceful, and safe manner, paving the way for a fair campaign season.