The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced changes to the nomination dates for candidates in the 2026 Parliamentary Elections, citing Uganda’s role as host of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Mid-Term Review Conference.
Originally scheduled for October 15–16, 2025, the nominations will now be conducted on October 22–23, 2025 at the offices of District and City Returning Officers. The adjustments also apply to candidates for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), including youth, persons with disabilities, workers, and older persons.
EC Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, said the change was necessary to ensure administrative efficiency and smooth coordination during the NAM conference, which runs from October 15–16, 2025 in Kampala.
The high-profile event is expected to draw government officials, legislators, and international delegates, many of whom would otherwise be engaged in the nomination process.
The revised roadmap also outlines new timelines for key activities ahead of the 2026 General Elections:
- Presidential nominations: September 23–24, 2025
- Harmonisation of presidential campaign programmes: September 25–27, 2025
- Presidential campaigns: September 29, 2025 – January 12, 2026
- Parliamentary and SIG nominations: October 22–23, 2025
- Campaigns for parliamentary and local government candidates: November 10, 2025 – January 12, 2026
- Polling (Presidential, Parliamentary, Local Government, including SIGs): January 12 – February 9, 2026
Justice Byabakama assured Ugandans that the adjustments will not compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring regular, free, and fair elections in line with the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda,” he said.
