The Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson of Uganda’s Independent Electoral Commission, Julius Mucunguzi, has cautioned that collecting nomination forms does not automatically make one a presidential candidate.
“Picking forms is simply an expression of interest,” Mucunguzi explained. “An aspirant becomes a candidate only after meeting all legal requirements.”
Since the process began on Monday, 88 individuals have so far registered their interest in contesting for the presidency in the 2026–2031 term.
According to the Presidential Elections Act, an aspirant must present a list of at least 100 supporters from two-thirds of Uganda’s districts, equivalent to 98 districts or 9,800 supporters nationwide.
Each supporter must be a registered voter from the district they claim to represent, a detail the Commission must verify.
Beyond that, an aspirant is required to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of Shs 20 million and provide proof of minimum academic qualifications, not below Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (A-level or Senior Six).
