The Minister of Works and Transport, General Edward Katumba Wamala, has rallied citizens to maintain peace throughout the ongoing electoral process, stating that elections are a recurring national event.
Katumba emphasized the right of every citizen to freely support a political party of their choice in the February 2026 general elections.
He underscored that peace is a prerequisite for stability, drawing a stark contrast with the widespread insecurity that plagued the nation in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Gen. Katumba Wamala commended the National Housing Corporation for completing the first phase of the project on schedule and urged the Uganda Police Force to immediately begin detailed planning for traffic management during the nomination period.
The Commission is currently scrutinizing forms returned by aspirants. Nominated candidates will be permitted to hold small rallies with supporters but must await the official campaign period to begin canvassing, pending compliance with security guidelines. The National Unity Platform and the National Resistance Movement have already notified police of planned rallies at Katwe Sports Ground and Kololo Independence Grounds, respectively.
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has stated that no presidential aspirant will be nominated for the 2026 General Elections unless they fully meet the legal and constitutional requirements.
Presidential nominations are scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd and Wednesday, 24th September 2025, and will be conducted at the Electoral Commission Head Office Grounds in Lubowa, located on Kigo-Lweza Road, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District.
According to Justice Byabakama, any person aspiring to contest for the presidency must fulfill the following requirements: Be a citizen of Uganda by birth, a registered voter and 18 years or older and submitted certified copies of academic qualifications, confirming they attained a minimum of Advanced Level (A’Level) or its equivalent
Additionally, the nomination must be supported by at least 100 registered voters from not fewer than 98 districts, representing two-thirds of all districts or cities in Uganda.
Aspirants must present Nomination paper, declaration by the candidate, Certified proof of A’Level or equivalent qualifications, Proof of registration as a voter for the candidate, proposer, and seconder.
Others are; Three recent postcard-size photographs, Certificate of compliance issued by the EC, Proof of payment of a non-refundable fee of Shs 20 million, Selection of campaign symbol and Appointment of official agent.
Justice Byabakama emphasized that the nomination venue will be strictly controlled, with access granted only to invited and accredited persons.
Each aspirant will be allowed to enter the nomination venue accompanied by not more than 20 persons, whose names must be submitted in advance.
For transport, only two vehicles will be permitted per aspirant, each carrying no more than 10 people, including the driver. These vehicles must display Police-issued stickers.
The Commission warned against any form of public procession, stressing that supporters must not accompany aspirants to or from the venue.
“Processions are not permitted during this exercise,” Byabakama stated. “For the avoidance of doubt, the incumbent President, who is also an aspirant, shall use facilities ordinarily attached to his office, in line with Section 28(2) of the Presidential Elections Act.”
Upon successful nomination, candidates wishing to launch their manifestos or hold rallies must do so in full compliance with traffic regulations and public assembly laws.
The EC has designed a streamlined nomination process, having pre-verified most documents to ensure a swift and orderly exercise.
“Aspirants will be required to be physically present to submit additional requisite documents for final verification. Once all conditions are met, the Commission will declare the aspirant duly nominated,” Byabakama confirmed.
