The Electoral Commission (EC) will today nominate three presidential aspirants ahead of the 2026 general elections, beginning with the ruling National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) candidate, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
His nomination is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., followed by Conservative Party (CP) president Elton Joseph Mabirizi at midday, and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP) at 2:00 p.m.
Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson, said the nomination exercise will be conducted under strict rules of access, transport, and eligibility.
“Each duly nominated presidential candidate will be given a pickup and police escorts and will be allowed to address the public before leaving the venue,” Byabakama said.
He further outlined the constitutional requirements for any presidential aspirant, stressing that they must be citizens of Uganda by birth, registered voters, 18 years or older, and holders of certified academic qualifications not lower than the Advanced Level (A’Level) or its equivalent.
In addition, aspirants must secure endorsement from at least 100 registered voters drawn from not fewer than 98 districts, which represent two-thirds of the country.
Nomination documents to be submitted include a completed paper and declaration form, certified proof of A’Level or its equivalent, proof of registration as a voter for the candidate and nominators, three postcard-size photographs, a certificate of compliance issued by the EC, payment receipt of the Shs 20 million non-refundable nomination fee, a chosen campaign symbol, and appointment of an official agent.
Byabakama also announced restrictions for the nomination grounds.
“The nomination venue will be strictly controlled, with access granted only to invited and accredited persons,” he emphasized.
Each aspirant will be allowed to enter with no more than 20 persons whose names must be submitted in advance. Only two vehicles per candidate are permitted, each carrying a maximum of 10 people including the driver, and all must display official police stickers.
Meanwhile, EC Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi confirmed that the nomination exercise will continue on Wednesday, September 24, with Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, appearing before the Commission. Nominations for other aspirants remain pending.
