The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that presidential nominations for the 2026 General Elections will officially begin tomorrow, with five aspirants already cleared for nomination.
At a joint press briefing held today, the EC, Uganda Police, and Traffic Police outlined a detailed plan to ensure a smooth, secure, and orderly nomination process.
EC: Only Cleared Candidates Will Be Nominated
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Speaking at the briefing, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama emphasized that only candidates who fulfill all requirements and appear physically will be nominated.
"There will be no nomination in absentia. All candidates must appear in person with the required documents," said Byabakama.
"Only President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is exempted from some logistics due to the nature of his office."
Nomination requirements include:
A minimum of 20 seconders
Only two vehicles
A Senior Six (UACE) certificate or its equivalent
Three passport-sized photos
Proof of payment of Shs20 million nomination fee
After nomination, each candidate will briefly address the press and receive a designated security vehicle and personal security detail.
Police: No Crowds, No Convoys, No Chaos
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma issued a stern warning to all candidates and their supporters:
"If your name is not on the Electoral Commission's schedule, do not show up. We shall not allow unauthorized persons at the venue," said Kituuma.
"This is not a campaign rally. There will be no crowd mobilization, no processions, no convoys, and absolutely no private security teams or bouncers (commonly known as bakanyama). Leave them behind."
He added that police will enforce a strict access policy, with no roadside waiting, no parading, and no celebrations at the nomination venue.
"The security vehicle assigned to each candidate is strictly for security personnel and not allowed to carry anything else," Kituuma emphasized.
Traffic Police: Major Road Diversions Around Lweza
Traffic Police Spokesperson Michael Kananura announced a series of diversions, with parking strictly around St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lweza, near the official nomination venue.
"To avoid traffic congestion on Entebbe Road, we are putting in place controlled access with stickers," said Kananura. "Only candidates' vehicles will be allowed to park at the venue."
Key traffic diversions:
Motorists from Entebbe heading to Kampala will be diverted via Nakawuka through Kisubi.
After nomination, candidates will exit via the Munyonyo-Kajjansi Expressway.
Parking is strictly for candidates at St. Joseph, Lweza.
Residents in affected areas will receive access stickers.
Campaigns Begin on September 29
Byabakama reminded candidates that the official campaign period begins on September 29, and any early events must be cleared by the security agencies.
"Campaigns governed by the EC begin next week. If you wish to meet supporters before that, you must first obtain clearance from police," he said. "And even then, that is not an EC activity."
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He also warned against obstruction and sabotage of other candidates' movements:
"Temukola nkugaana mu makubo n'okutataaganya abalala okukola."
("Do not block roads or disrupt other people's work.")
Confirmed for Nomination Tomorrow (September 23)
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni - 10am
Elton Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party) - 12pm
Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party, NPP) - 2pm
Other candidates expected later in the week include:
- Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (NUP)
- Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC)
- Additional independent and party-backed aspirants
Notably, NUP has been allocated Nateete as their designated location for any post-nomination engagements. All other areas remain off-limits unless cleared.
