The countdown to Uganda’s 2026 general elections has officially begun — and it’s starting with a strict set of ground rules.
This week, on September 23 and 24, presidential candidates will show up at the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Lubowa to submit their nomination papers. But this isn’t just a formality — it’s a tightly controlled affair with security, structure, and plenty of political heat.
The Electoral Commission isn’t taking any chances. In a statement made ahead of the nominations, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama reminded candidates that they’re expected to keep things calm and under control.
“No crowds. No processions. Only two representatives per candidate will be allowed inside the nomination venue,” Byabakama said.
He stressed that these restrictions are meant to keep the process smooth, safe, and free from unnecessary disruptions. To back this up, the police have issued a traffic plan — including early-morning road closures around Lubowa starting at 5:00 a.m. on both days.
Anyone hoping to appear on the presidential ballot has to tick a number of boxes. That includes:
A completed nomination form
Proof that they’re a registered voter
Endorsements from at least two-thirds of the country’s districts
Verified academic qualifications
And a UGX 20 million nomination fee
It’s a checklist that’s putting pressure on several opposition candidates, especially those working to gather support in time.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) isn’t wasting time. They’ve confirmed that President Yoweri Museveni will be officially nominated on Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.
According to NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, party leaders and flag bearers have been invited to witness the nomination. Afterwards, a gathering will be held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where Museveni is expected to be unveiled — once again — as the party’s presidential candidate
On the other side of the political field, the opposition is still hard at work finalizing nominations:
The FDC has picked Nandala Mafabi to carry its presidential flag, following weeks of internal discussions.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, leading the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), is still gathering the district-level signatures needed to qualify.
Meanwhile, Robert Kyagulanyi, known to many as Bobi Wine, says some of his endorsement signatures were rejected by the EC — a move he claims is politically motivated. His team is working to resubmit before the deadline.
“They’re trying to slow us down, but we’re still going forward,” Kyagulanyi told reporters.
With the capital expected to get busy over the two days, police have beefed up security around key areas. They’ve also issued warnings against unauthorized gatherings and traffic disruptions, especially near the EC offices.
The goal, officials say, is to keep the process peaceful — though with political tensions already rising, that may be easier said than done.
These nominations may seem procedural, but they’re far from ordinary. They mark the beginning of what many expect to be a heated and closely watched campaign season, especially with the opposition hoping to make real gains against Museveni’s nearly 40 years in power.
As the country watches what unfolds this week, one thing is clear: the road to 2026 has officially begun.
