KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Electoral Commission (EC) has finalized preparations for the nomination of presidential candidates for the 2026 general elections, outlining a stringent set of rules, a high nomination fee, and a major traffic plan for the two-day exercise scheduled for this week.
In a press statement dated September 20th, 2025, the EC Chairperson, Justice Bhabakana Mugenyi Simon, confirmed that the nomination will be held on Tuesday, 23rd and Wednesday, 24th September 2025, at the Commission’s Head Office Grounds in Lubowa, Wakiso District, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
Stringent Nomination Requirements
Aspiring candidates must meet a high bar to be successfully nominated. The requirements include:
· Being a Ugandan citizen by birth, a registered voter, and at least 18 years old.
· Providing proof of a minimum formal education of Advanced Level (A-Level) or its equivalent.
· Having their nomination supported by at least 100 registered voters from a minimum of 98 different districts across Uganda.
· Paying a non-refundable nomination fee of Ugandan Shillings 20 million.
Other requisite documents include triplicate nomination papers, a declaration of consent, proof of voter registration for themselves and their proposers, recent photographs, and a Certificate of Compliance from the EC itself.
Tightly Controlled Access and Traffic Diversions
In a move to ensure order and security, the EC has severely restricted access to the nomination venue. Only invited and accredited persons will be allowed entry.
Each aspirant is permitted to be accompanied by no more than 20 people (including themselves), with their details submitted in advance. They are limited to only two vehicles, each carrying a maximum of 10 people (driver included) and each must display an official police sticker.
The Commission issued a strong warning against aspirants mobilizing supporters to accompany them, explicitly stating that processions are prohibited.
The Uganda Police Force’s Directorate of Traffic & Road Safety, under SP Kanamura Michael, has published an extensive traffic management plan. Major diversions will be in effect from 5:00 am on both nomination days along the Entebbe Highway, Northern Bypass, and all access roads to Lubowa. Boda boda riders will be completely barred from proceeding beyond designated cut-off points.
A special note in the guidelines clarifies that the incumbent President, who is also an aspirant, is exempt from these vehicle and movement restrictions and “shall use such facilities as are ordinarily attached to his office.”
Streamlined Nomination Process
The EC stated that the nomination process has been designed for swiftness, as the bulk of the documentation, particularly the lists of supporters, has been pre-verified. Aspirants must be physically present to submit their documents for final scrutiny. Upon successful nomination, candidates will have the opportunity to briefly address the public through a media center set up at the venue.
The Commission has urged all aspirants, their agents, and supporters to adhere to the guidelines to ensure the exercise is conducted in an “orderly, peaceful and safe manner.” The national campaign period for successfully nominated candidates is set to begin on September 29, 2025.
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