The Electoral Commission (EC) has updated the 2025/2026 General Elections Roadmap, advancing the presidential candidate nomination dates and reinforcing eligibility requirements to ensure a smoother electoral process.
In a statement issued on July 18, 2025, EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi announced that presidential nominations, previously set for October 2–3, 2025, will now occur on September 23–24, 2025.
The adjustment aims to allocate sufficient time for essential post-nomination activities, such as campaign schedule coordination, signing the candidates’ Memorandum of Understanding, and preparing ballot paper samples.
“If we were to maintain the earlier nomination dates, these post-nomination processes would drastically reduce the period available for presidential campaigns,” the statement read.
The EC reiterated its dedication to a transparent and efficient electoral process, calling on political parties and aspirants to comply with the revised timeline.
New dates
-
Parliamentary nominations: September 16–17, 2025
-
Local government and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) nominations: September 3–12, 2025
-
Campaign period for all elective positions: Mid-September 2025 to January 12, 2026
-
National polling window: January 12 to February 9, 2026
Academic equirements
The EC emphasized that candidates for presidential, parliamentary, and city/district chairperson positions must hold at least an Advanced Level (A-Level) certificate or its equivalent. Aspirants with foreign qualifications must secure verification or equivalency certification from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), in collaboration with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). This requirement applies even to those previously cleared in past elections unless they have since obtained higher Ugandan qualifications.
Candidates with A-Level or higher credentials from Uganda, or qualifications from the former University of East Africa, are exempt from NCHE verification. All required documents, including verified certificates, must be submitted at least two months before nomination at EC headquarters or District Election Administrator (DEA) offices.
The EC expressed gratitude to stakeholders, particularly Special Interest Group voters, for their engagement and urged continued compliance with the updated Roadmap and regulations.
Post Views: 27
