EC Overwhelmed by Parliamentary Nomination Petitions

Petitions arising out of the recent Parliamentary nomination exercise for the January 2026 general election have now increased to 100. 

EC Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, revealed on Wednesday that the Commission has so far received 100 petitions, up from 50 recorded just two days earlier. He said more continue to come in despite the campaign period being just days away.

The countrywide nomination of parliamentary candidates was conducted on October 22nd and 23, 2025, with campaigns set to begin on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Justice Byabakama noted that the Commission began hearing petitions on Monday this week and continues to handle them as they are filed. He added that some decisions have already been made, while others are pending conclusion.

“Together with my colleagues, we are handling a number of petitions, and every day we are hearing cases concerning parliamentary nominations. Decisions are being made in accordance with the evidence and the law. This is part of ensuring that elections are free and fair, and that any emerging complaint or dispute is resolved by the Commission,”— Justice Simon Byabakama, EC Chairperson.

He commended petitioners who have so far appeared before the EC tribunal, assuring the public of the Commission’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity throughout the electoral process.

Commissioner Stephen Tashobya explained that once a petition hearing is concluded, the parties involved are formally notified of the Commission’s decision in writing. Some of these decisions, he said, have already been communicated.

On queries about candidates declared unopposed, Justice Byabakama clarified that the law provides for such cases, but those contesting the process are free to petition the Commission.

“We have received petitions challenging the procedures that led to some candidates being declared unopposed. These petitions are being reviewed based on the evidence and the law,” Justice Simon Byabakama said.  He disclosed that between three and four petitions have so far been lodged against unopposed candidates.

With campaigns approaching, Byabakama emphasized the urgency of concluding all pending petitions, revealing the strain the Commissioners are under.

“The Commissioners are hardly sleeping. The other day, we left the boardroom at about 1:00 a.m. after hearing petitions. For those who stay late and lack transport, we even provide vehicles to ensure they get home safely. This demonstrates our commitment to completing the petition process swiftly,” he said.

Before the parliamentary petitions, the EC had already handled over 200 Local Government petitions, which have since been concluded.

The ongoing hearings, conducted at the EC headquarters in Industrial Area, Kampala, are intended to ensure that every candidate cleared for the 2026 parliamentary elections meets all legal and procedural requirements.

According to preliminary EC data, 2,711 candidates were successfully nominated across the country for over 500 parliamentary seats. These include 353 directly elected MPs, 146 District Woman Representatives, 20 Special Interest Group seats (for youth, older persons, workers, and persons with disabilities), and 10 representatives from the UPDF.The number of nominated candidates is slightly lower than the 2,801 recorded in the 2021 general elections, but higher than the 1,743 in 2016.

Overall, Opposition parties have fielded 914 parliamentary candidates, compared to 514 from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). The parliamentary elections are scheduled for January 15th, 2026.