The Electoral Commission (EC) has today kicked off the nomination of candidates aspiring for leadership positions at the municipal and city division levels, a critical step in Uganda’s journey toward the 2025/26 general elections. The three-day exercise runs until Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
According to the Commission, the nominations cover municipality and city division chairpersons, councillors, and representatives of special interest groups; youth, women, workers, older persons, and persons with disabilities. The exercise is being conducted at EC district offices across the country.
“In Kampala, we are handling nominations at each of the five city division offices,” explained EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi in a media briefing this morning. “This is the first step that determines who will appear on the ballot paper. We want this process done in an orderly and peaceful manner so Ugandans can freely choose the leaders they deserve.”
Mucunguzi urged aspirants to double-check their documents before submission, noting that candidates for municipality or city division chairperson must present at least 20 registered voters as supporters, all of whom will be verified in the EC system using correct voter details.
“Last week we saw delays and even disqualifications because some aspirants presented invalid supporter details,” he said. “We want to avoid such mistakes this time. Make sure your supporters are genuine registered voters.”
He further reminded candidates that paying nomination fees in advance is a mandatory requirement, cautioning that failure to do so would lead to automatic rejection of nomination papers. To maintain order, only four people are permitted at the nomination table: the aspirant, two supporters, and one official agent.
The Commission also reiterated that the nomination process is strictly administrative and not a campaign event. “Nomination is not a campaign. Campaigns will come later, at the time set by the Commission. Right now, we want to see discipline, order, and respect for the law,” Mucunguzi stressed.
The nomination exercise, though routine, signals the start of the local government election cycle, which will determine who controls municipal and city divisions, critical units for service delivery, governance, and grassroots democracy. With the 2025/26 general elections looming, the process also serves as a litmus test for the country’s preparedness to conduct peaceful, transparent polls.
Mucunguzi underscored that political competition should not degenerate into violence or hostility, urging political parties, civil society, and security agencies to support peaceful participation. “This country needs leaders who are chosen through a fair, transparent, and peaceful process,” he said. “Uganda must remain united and progressing; that is only possible if everyone respects the rules and guidelines.”
Once the nomination window closes on Wednesday, the EC will publish a list of duly nominated candidates and release official campaign guidelines. The campaigns themselves are expected to set the stage for vibrant contests in municipalities and city divisions, with voters closely watching how leaders intend to tackle challenges such as service delivery, infrastructure, jobs, and youth empowerment.
Mucunguzi concluded by calling on citizens to prepare for full participation: “Remember that your vote is your voice. It is through voting that Ugandans can shape the future of their communities and the country at large.”