The Electoral Commission has announced strict measures during this year’s edition of elections which includes stringent scrutiny of academic papers for politicians.
According to Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama aspiring candidates must prove they meet academic qualifications and resign from public office by specific deadlines, or risk disqualification. The Commission has made clear that no statutory declaration or affidavit will be accepted in lieu of verified academic documents.
“Even individuals whose academic qualifications were accepted in past elections are required to undergo the verification process once again for the 2025/26 electoral cycle. The Electoral Commission has set clear deadlines: aspirants for the presidency must have their academic qualifications verified by August 1, 2025, and must resign from public office by October 1, 2025,”Byamukama said in amedia brief in kampala.
Parliamentary candidates are expected to complete their academic verification by July 16, 2025, and resign by June 13, 2025. Those contesting for District Chairperson positions must meet their education requirements by July 3, 2025, and tender their resignation by August 2, 2025.
For candidates representing Special Interest Groups (SIGs), the resignation deadline was April 28, 2025. Qualifications earned abroad or claimed as equivalent to Uganda’s advanced-level education must be validated by both the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
“If you do not meet the deadlines, your nomination papers will be void.No shortcuts,” said Byabakama.
The EC also reiterated constitutional prohibitions on political engagement for certain groups. Members of the military, police, prisons service, civil service, and traditional or cultural institutions are barred from holding party office, canvassing support, or publicly engaging in partisan debates.
Byamukama said as matter of Protocol for those contesting under party banners, nomination papers must be officially endorsed and sealed by the party’s Secretary General or their designated representative.
“The names of these endorsers must be submitted in advance to both the EC headquarters and local district returning officers,”he stressed.
Byamukama urged political parties and independents to avoid forming parallel security outfits, calling such acts unconstitutional and destabilizing.
“You are our valued young people. Participate peacefully. Elections bring winners and losers, but that should not divide us.”