By Sadique Bamwita
NATIONAL
The Electoral Commission on July 18, 2025 announced the adjustments in the nomination dates of candidates at various political levels.
The chairperson of the Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said the adjustments are intended to give enough time to all nominated candidates to conduct all the post nomination processes before they begin their campaign rallies. These processes include; the capturing of the presidential nomination returns, production of ballot samples, harmonization of campaign programs and signing of a memorandum of undertaking by all candidates.
On nomination of presidential candidates, the date has been adjusted from October 2 and 3 to September 23-24 , 2025. Campaigns for presidential candidates will run from October 4, 2025 to January 12, 2026.
Nomination of parliamentary candidates has been adjusted to 16-17 September 2025. Campaigns for nominated MPs will run from September 23, 2025 to January 12, 2026.
Nomination of candidates for Local government leaders including special interest groups shall take place from 3-12th September 2025. Campaigns begin from September 23,2025 to January 12, 2026.
Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi announced that the polling dates for Local government leaders including special interest groups will take place between January 12 to February 9, 2026. He, however says that specific dates will be announced after nomination as the Law provides.
He noted that Law under section 10(b) of the Presidential Act provides that a presidential candidate shall be supported by not less than 100 supporters from each of the 97 districts in the country. He added that the commission announces the date for collection of forms for all nominated candidates.
Regarding verification of academic documents, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, said that in preparation for the 2026 general elections, all aspirants including presidential, LC5, and Lord mayor must have A level certificate or it’s equivalent .He explained that :
” Those who obtained qualifications outside Uganda are required to verify them with the National Council for Higher Education with consultation from UNEB. Those with equivalent from abroad must obtain a certificate of equivalence .While those with equivalence are required to submit them to the Electoral Commission or district electoral office before 2 months to the nomination day.
” For those who contested in 2021 general elections and obtained an equivalence , in 2026 general elections it’s no longer relevant and one is required to go back and get another one. And if you obtained a degree outside Uganda, you have to go back and get another equivalence from the National Council for Higher Education,” Justice Simon Byabakama made it clear to all aspirants.
He continued that : ” All those aspirants with A level certificate obtained in Uganda, need not to go to the National Council for Higher Education to verify their papers.
“Even those who obtained academic credentials from the former University of East Africa need not to verify their academic papers with the National Council for Higher Education. These categories need not to verify their papers with the Electoral Commission before the set two months, “Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi emphasized.
Justice Simon Byabakama appreciated all stakeholders for their inputs in the implementation of the electoral roadmap.
Regarding voters education, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said: “So far fifty organizations have been accredited to conduct voters education across the country. It’s untrue that our department of voters’ education has not conducted any voters’ education. We just need to increase on the degree or amount of voters’ education, “Justice Simon Byabakama clearly explained.
