38 Aspirants Secure Clearance for 2026 Presidential Nominations
The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that 38 presidential hopefuls have successfully cleared the first legal hurdle ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
According to EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, the aspirants met the requirement under the Presidential Elections Act to submit at least 9,800 signatures—from a minimum of 100 registered voters in not fewer than 98 districts.
“Verification involves matching names, signatures, and voter records,” Byabakama explained. “If everything checks out, we grant a compliance certificate, paving the way for nomination fees and official clearance.”
With this step complete, the Commission has fixed September 23 and 24 as nomination days at its newly relocated offices in Lweza, Entebbe, a move Byabakama said was meant to ease congestion and streamline the process.
He praised aspirants who submitted early but warned others still holding forms. “Verification takes time. Don’t wait until the last minute,” he said.
Among those cleared are President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM), who filed over 2.2 million signatures following his party’s endorsement for a potential seventh term; Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP), better known as Bobi Wine; Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC); and Jimmy Akena (UPC).
Other entrants include Joseph Kabuleta (NEED), despite wrangles in his party, Norbert Mao (DP), also battling internal disputes, former youngest aspirant John Katumba, and perennial contender Peter Walubengo Mayanja (UFA).
Byabakama disclosed that verification has already flagged irregularities, including endorsements from minors as young as 13 and supporters registered in the wrong districts. “These errors could sink a campaign,” he cautioned.
The EC is also juggling nearly 100 petitions from local elections, with about 30 already resolved, alongside arbitration of leadership disputes in DP, UPC, and NEED.
“We’re determining authentic representatives to keep the process fair,” Byabakama noted.
