EC receives permanent premises ahead of presidential nomination exercise

19 September 2025, 12:44 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, today received the premises where next week’s official nomination exercise for presidential candidates will be held, marking a key milestone as Uganda gears up for the 2025 elections.

Justice Byabakama also announced that presidential campaigns will officially commence on 29th September 2025. In addition, the nomination exercise for members of Parliament has been rescheduled to 22nd and 23rd September, moved from the earlier communicated dates to accommodate a special meeting in Uganda.

“I want to thank the government of Uganda for funding this enterprise and I also thank the Ministry of Works and Transport for everything they have done to make this possible. The construction of the Electoral Commission permanent home is a good gesture, and to me, that is a clear sign that the voice of the people is heard. We want to ensure that everything required is put in place by next week when we shall be holding the nomination exercise for presidential candidates. After this ceremony, we shall be having internal meetings to make sure that all is well,” Byabakama said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala, congratulated the Electoral Commission and the National Housing Corporation on the milestone achieved. “I want to congratulate you because very soon you will be leaving that swamp. I thank the National Housing Corporation for the speedy implementation. We believe that from now, we won’t doubt your capability. The environment is much better than that of Kyambogo. Allow each Ugandan to exercise their rights peacefully. Don’t hurt your neighbors because they don’t support the candidate you support. I implore you to keep peace because Uganda is not the first country to hold elections and won’t be the last,” he said.

The 10-acre land in Lweza, Makindye Sabagabo, Kampala District, now houses the Electoral Commission’s permanent home, which will also serve as the venue for the declaration of presidential results next year. During the nomination exercise, candidates will be allowed to attend with very few people and have been warned against starting campaigns before the official launch date. However, they may meet their supporters after nomination, provided they adhere to the established guidelines