The Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has publicly announced a detailed and revised nomination timetable for the upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections. This schedule, set between August and October 2025, encompasses the nomination processes for Local Government, Parliamentary, and Presidential candidates. The nominations kickoff with the availability of nomination forms starting August 11, 2025, both online and at specified offices, allowing aspiring candidates to prepare and submit their papers within clearly demarcated timeframes.
Local Government Nominations: A Staggered Approach
The nomination process for Local Government positions has been staggered to ensure an organized and manageable flow of candidacies across the country. District and City Chairpersons, Lord Mayors, and Councillors will have their nomination window from September 3 to 5, 2025. This is followed by Municipality and City Division Chairpersons as well as their Councillors, who will nominate between September 8 and 10, 2025. Sub County, Town, and Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors will have a slightly longer span from September 11 through September 24, 2025, excluding weekends. Forms for these positions will be accessible from August 11 at both district/city offices and the Electoral Commission’s official website.
Parliamentary Nominations: Mid-October Scheduling
The nomination for Parliamentary candidates, including those representing Special Interest Groups (SIGs), is slated for October 15 and 16, 2025, at designated District and City Returning Officers’ offices. Notably, SIG representatives have a separate election window in December 2025, running from the 8th to the 12th. Parliamentary aspirants can access nomination forms and accompanying guidelines beginning August 11 online.
Presidential Nominations: Early Preparation for Key Candidates
Presidential hopefuls can collect nomination forms and guidelines from August 11 until September 24, 2025, exclusively at the Commission’s head office in Kampala during weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Candidates are required to gather signatures from registered voters amounting to no less than 100 supporters from two-thirds of Uganda’s districts, which translates to approximately 98 districts. This prerequisite is essential to authenticate the breadth of support for each presidential contender.The presidential nomination dates are set for September 23 and 24, 2025, an advancement from earlier schedules, facilitating a longer campaign period from October 4, 2025, to January 12, 2026. The commission has urged compliance with the new timelines to enable thorough verification and preparation for the electoral contests.
Additional Requirements and Election Timeline Context
Aspirants across all categories must meet certain educational qualifications, typically a minimum of Advanced Level Standard or its recognized equivalent, with verification requirements for foreign or non-traditional certificates. The Commission also emphasizes adherence to legal timelines to avoid unauthorized political activities prior to official campaign periods.
Following the nominations, the general elections will take place from January 12 to February 9, 2026, covering all local government, parliamentary, and presidential positions.
This structured and phased nomination schedule aims to enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and efficient management of candidacy submissions across Uganda, ensuring a smooth lead-up to the general elections that will determine the country’s local and national leadership for the next five years.
Click: Nomination Schedule Overview
This infographic provides a clear visual summary of the nomination dates, form availability, and notable requirements for the upcoming elections to guide aspirants and the public in navigating the electoral process effectively.