EC Blocks Sebwato’s Presidential Bid Over Signature Shortfall
The Electoral Commission (EC) has rejected the nomination forms of presidential hopeful Ivan Sebwato after he failed to secure the minimum endorsement signatures required to join the 2026 race.
Sebwato, a teacher by profession, had collected signatures from only 50 districts—well below the threshold of 9,800 signatures from at least 98 districts mandated by law.
His rejection came despite a dramatic arrival at the EC headquarters in Kampala on a bicycle, a move that briefly captured public attention.
“I have done my best. The Commission should have accepted my submission and given me time to complete the rest,” Sebwato told journalists after his papers were declined.
The nomination of presidential candidates is set for September 23–24, 2025, with more than seven aspirants already in the field. Among them are President Yoweri Museveni—whose forms were submitted by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong and First National Vice Chairman Moses Kigongo—and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine.
Sebwato’s disqualification comes at a time when competition for Uganda’s top seat is expected to intensify. Observers predict another fierce rematch between Museveni, who has ruled since 1986 and is seeking a seventh term, and Bobi Wine, widely seen as the strongest challenger.
Over 160 individuals have so far picked nomination forms, with political parties including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) also signaling their intent to field candidates.
In the last general election of January 14, 2021, Museveni secured victory with 58.38% of the vote against Bobi Wine’s 35.08%, extending his presidency beyond four decades and cementing his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
