EC targets free, fair 2026 elections with new measures

7 August 2025, 3:53 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, the Electoral Commission has announced key updates to the nomination process for various political positions across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the commission headquarters in Kampala, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, revealed significant changes in the nomination schedule, urging all aspiring candidates to take note of the new timelines.

“I want to confirm to the general public that the Commission has made some changes in the nomination dates,” Justice Byabakama stated.

According to the revised schedule:

• District Chairpersons, City Mayors, and the Lord Mayor will be nominated from 3rd to 5th September 2025
• Municipality or City Division Chairpersons: 8th to 10th September 2025
• Sub-county Chairpersons and Councilors: 11th to 24th September 2025
• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) will pick nomination forms from 16th to 17th September 2025
• Members of Parliament: Nomination to be held from 15th to 16th October 2025

Byabakama also confirmed that the biometric voter verification system is being considered for deployment in the 2026 elections, emphasizing that it will become mandatory once the legal framework is in place.

“We are confident that network issues will not disrupt the process. There will be no disorganization,” he assured.

The Commission also issued a warning to individuals picking nomination forms without serious intent, stating they would not be entertained.

Regarding nomination fees, the Chairperson confirmed the following:

• Presidential aspirants: UGX 20 million
• Parliamentary candidates: UGX 3 million

Justice Byabakama reminded public servants intending to contest that, by law, Members of Parliament must resign three months before nomination, while Presidential candidates are given three days.

On the matter of political party primaries, Byabakama distanced the Commission from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries but advised that past shortcomings be avoided in the upcoming general elections.

The Commission’s efforts were welcomed by several aspiring candidates. James Mubiru, an aspirant for Member of Parliament in Lubaga North, appreciated the Commission’s transparency but urged them to ensure credibility in the 2026 elections.

“We thank the Electoral Commission for the changes, but we appeal for a free and fair election come 2026,” Mubiru said. “While the biometric system may face challenges, if the Commission is well-prepared, it could significantly reduce electoral malpractice.”

As the countdown to 2026 begins, the Commission called on all Ugandans to maintain peace and actively participate in the democratic process.

“Let’s all work together to ensure peaceful and credible elections,” Byabakama concluded.