Uganda’s Electoral Commission wraps up second nomination day as over 500 aspirants cleared for 2026 elections
Today marks the second and final day of the nationwide nomination process for candidates seeking elective positions ahead of Uganda’s 2026 General Election. The Electoral Commission (EC) had designated Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 October 2025 for nominations of aspirants to Parliament (including constituency MPs, district/city woman-representatives) and the Special Interest Group (SIG) seats (youth, persons with disabilities, older persons, workers).
According to EC sources and media reports, more than 500 candidates have been cleared across the country to contest for various seats — including the 353 directly-elected parliamentary constituencies, 146 district/city women’s representative seats, and seats reserved for special interest groups.
Nomination exercise & logistics
The EC opened nomination centres at district and city headquarters from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, in line with the dictates of Section 9 of the Parliamentary Elections Act. Candidates and their proposers/seconder teams submitted nomination forms, paid the applicable fees and provided required documentation. Campaigning is not permitted during this period.
Security and order
Security agencies were on high alert across the country. In Kampala and other urban centres, the police enforced restrictions on processions and gatherings around nomination venues, limiting the number of people accompanying aspirants to a small team. In Luweero District for example the SSP of Savannah region stated that no more than four people (the candidate, proposer, seconder and official agent) would be permitted per nomination submission.
Traffic control, crowd management and road-blocks were used to ensure smooth conduct. In Kampala the joint security forces managed access routes and prevented fanfare at the venues.
Notable nominations & withdrawals
– In Kampala alone, 46 aspirants were nominated on the first day of the exercise. Constituencies such as Makindye East recorded 11 contenders.
– In one district, the incumbent Vice President Jessica Alupo (NRM) was nominated for the Katakwi District Woman Member of Parliament slot.
– Meanwhile, in Koboko District two aspirants, Ocur Rasul (NRM-leaning) and Omar Kassim (Independent) withdrew their nominations.
What’s next
With the nomination window now closed, official campaigns for parliamentary and SIG seats will begin on 10 November 2025 and run until 13 January 2026. The election day is set for 15 January 2026. The EC has reiterated its commitment to transparency, professionalism and peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.
Key take-aways
The two-day nomination process has cleared hundreds of candidates for 519 elective seats.
Strict rules govern behaviour at nomination venues; campaigning before the official start date remains prohibited.
Security measures and venue management aimed to keep the process orderly and accessible.
The next major phase will be the campaign, leading up to the January 2026 polls.
