By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The chairperson of the Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, has today June 18, 2025, spoken out on the nomination fees for Presidential, LCV and MPs candidates ahead of 2026 general elections.
Byabakama revealed that the commission still maintains the nomination fees for President, MPS and LC5 chairpersons at Shs20m, 3M and 500,000 respectively. He added that no fees are required for the rest of the political posts.
The EC Chairperson also warned against militarization of Elections ahead of 2026 general elections.
He said for the electoral body to hold peaceful elections which is free and fair, all stakeholders must play their role saying he expects the Uganda police to exercise it’s mandate of keeping law and order during the election period. He, however noted that he doesn’t expect military presence at polling stations.
Justice Simon Byabakama explained that: ” Its not allowed for any member of security agencies to overstep their mandate and takeover any activity taking place at the polling station. Let me make it clear, security forces are not managers of the electoral process. Any security member who oversteps his or her mandate shall be dealt with as the Law provides. “
He says that they plan to engage the police on what the commission expects them to do in execution of their mandate.
“Recently, I was invited at Kabalye police training school where I addressed 4,000 police trainees. Tomorrow June 19, 2025, I will address more police officers at Naguru police Headquarters,” he said.
Byabakama revealed that the commission expects to receive its last batch of its budget in the coming financial year 2025/2026.
“We expect our last batch of the budget to procure electoral materials. Elections are fully or wholly funded by the government of Uganda. However, funding elections is extremely expensive. In the 2026 polls, the commission shall procure its own equipment which will be used during the polling day, ‘Justice Simon Byabakama noted.
He says that the Commission shall use technology at the polling stations to verify voters before they vote and that Results will still be transmitted electronically.
Regarding the election for special interest groups such as the older persons, People with disabilities and youths, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi explained that election for disabled persons and elderly persons ended peacefully on June 16, 2025 and that tomorrow June 19, 2025, the Commission will conduct elections for Village youth committees for posts of secretary for women, youth, labor affairs, students, labor affairs, sports and culture and youth finance among others.
He emphasized that it’s only voters who appear in the voters’ register compiled in their respective villages who will be allowed to vote. He added that for this particular elections, voters must be in the register of their residential area but not their place of origin.
He revealed that the commission has got information that some candidates have formed village vigilantes to manage the youth election and challenged the police force to secure electoral ground for a peaceful election exercise.
He reiterated that it’s only police which is charged with providing security during election exercise and warned aspiring candidates to avoid youth brigades and militia groups.
Justice Simon Byabakama asked aspiring candidates at the parliamentary, president and LC5 level to resign from public office and prove to the commission with their resignation letters.
“An employee of government who wishes to stand for president or parliament should resign before the nomination day within 90 days, Mayor or LC5 before 30 days.
He also said that those wishing stand for president, MP and LC5 seat shall be required to verify their academic qualifications with the National Council for Higher Education, in addition to establishing their academic qualifications with the Electoral Commission.
