Surge in Presidential Aspirants as EC Reports Over 160 Nomination Form Pickups
The race to Uganda’s 2026 general elections is gathering momentum, with the Electoral Commission (EC) reporting that over 160 individuals have picked nomination forms so far.
The aspirants are aiming for various positions, including the presidency, Members of Parliament, district and city chairpersons, and local councillor seats.
In a statement, EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi revealed that six of the presidential nomination forms were collected on behalf of political parties, while the rest were picked by independent candidates.
“This week marks the end of the second week of picking nominations. By the close of last week, over 160 people had picked presidential nomination forms, six of whom collected them on behalf of political parties,” he said.
The EC reiterated the requirements for candidates under Uganda’s multiparty system, noting that party representatives must provide authorization letters from their Secretary Generals. All aspirants and their representatives are also required to present national identity cards and proof of being registered voters.
Independent presidential hopefuls must additionally provide proof of meeting the minimum academic requirement of Advanced Level or its equivalent. Once cleared, they must secure at least 100 signatures from supporters in two-thirds of Uganda’s districts—a total of 98—before formal nomination.
Nomination forms for parliamentary candidates are available online via the EC website, while forms for councillors and other local government positions can be obtained from district EC offices.
Looking ahead, Mucunguzi said at least two political parties were expected to collect presidential nomination forms on Monday, August 18, 2025, with final details to be confirmed later in the day.
The EC appealed to aspirants and their supporters to maintain peace and order during the process. “We ask all those who will be picking forms, whether from district headquarters or the EC offices in Kampala, to maintain law and order, follow traffic rules, and avoid disrupting normal business,” Mucunguzi emphasized.
With the nomination period in full swing, the growing list of presidential aspirants underscores the intense competition expected as Uganda gears up for the 2026 elections.
