EC Opens Nomination Process for 2026 Presidential Candidates

The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially opened the nomination process for individuals aspiring to contest the presidency in the 2026 general elections.

Starting today, August 11, presidential hopefuls can collect the necessary nomination forms from the EC headquarters located on Seventh Street, Industrial Area, Kampala.

EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi announced the nomination period will run until August 24, 2025, marking the first critical step toward selecting presidential candidates for next year’s elections. Presidential aspirants are required to pick up three essential documents: Supporter Forms, which are used to gather endorsements from across Uganda. 

The law mandates each aspirant to secure signatures from at least 100 registered voters in no fewer than two-thirds of the country’s districts, equating to at least 100 supporters from 98 districts. Nomination Forms capture the candidate’s details, declaration of intent, and other official information as required by the Presidential Elections Act. Nomination Guidelines outline the legal requirements, timelines, and procedures candidates must follow to complete the nomination process successfully.

“These supporter forms are critical because, without the required number of valid endorsements from across the country, a candidate cannot be nominated,” said Mucunguzi, adding that endorsements must come from registered voters in the district where they are given. While presidential aspirants collect forms in person at the EC headquarters, nomination materials for other elective positions are also available.

According to Mucunguzi, forms and guidelines for Members of Parliament (MPs), including constituency MPs and special interest groups such as youth, workers, persons with disabilities, and the army, can be downloaded from the EC website. For district and city chairpersons, nomination forms are similarly available for download, while local government councilor forms at the sub-county level can be collected at EC offices in respective districts. 

The EC urged all aspirants to thoroughly familiarize themselves with nomination requirements to avoid incomplete or non-compliant submissions that could lead to disqualification. Additionally, Mucunguzi highlighted changes in the electoral calendar, noting that nomination dates for MPs have shifted from September to October 15–16, 2025. Nomination timelines for other positions remain as previously announced, with detailed information accessible on the EC website.

The 2026 elections will mark Uganda’s sixth multi-party general elections since the reintroduction of multi-party politics in 2005. The last election took place in 2021. Observers and civil society groups emphasize the importance of early compliance to avoid technical errors that could compromise the election’s credibility. “We call upon all aspiring candidates to check the Commission’s website, read the requirements, and ensure full compliance before nomination day,” Mucunguzi urged.

He stressed the importance of following the nomination guidelines carefully, as they contain critical information on documentation, voter verification, and nomination fees. With the election year approaching, the nomination process represents more than just paperwork—it is the first formal hurdle on the road to State House. Mucunguzi reiterated that August 24 is the deadline for presidential form collection and assured that the commission will provide ongoing updates and guidance, underscoring its commitment to a transparent and credible election process.