Uganda’s 2026 presidential race is taking shape after Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama confirmed that 30 aspirants have submitted the required supporter signatures, moving a step closer to nomination.
Speaking at a media briefing at the EC headquarters in Kampala’s Industrial Area on Wednesday, Byabakama said the commission is now verifying the submissions ahead of nominations slated for September 23 and 24 at the new EC offices in Lweza, Entebbe.
“Verification involves matching names, signatures, and voter records,” Byabakama explained. “If everything checks out, we grant a compliance certificate, paving the way for nomination fees and official clearance.”
The Presidential Elections Act requires each aspirant to present at least 100 signatures from registered voters in no fewer than 98 districts, amounting to a minimum of 9,800 endorsements. Byabakama urged candidates to book nomination slots early to avoid a last-minute rush.
Among those who beat the deadline are several familiar contenders from 2021. President Yoweri Museveni, 80, of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), submitted more than 2.2 million signatures after securing his party’s endorsement for a potential seventh term. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP), filed his forms, positioning himself for a second face-off with Museveni.
Other notable aspirants include Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena, National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) leader Joseph Kabuleta, and youthful independent candidate John Katumba, who made history as the youngest contender in 2021. Democratic Party (DP) hopeful Norbert Mao and perennial candidate Peter Walubengo Mayanja of the Uganda Federal Alliance also submitted signatures.
Byabakama praised the timely submissions but urged the remaining aspirants who picked forms to act quickly. “We opened submissions on August 11 — plenty of time for dedicated candidates to gather support. Don’t wait; verification takes time,” he said.
The EC has already flagged errors in some submissions, including endorsements from minors and mismatched voter records. “These errors could sink a campaign,” Byabakama cautioned. “Aspirants, double-check your lists to avoid pitfalls.”
Beyond the presidential race, the commission is processing nearly 100 petitions from recent local elections and mediating disputes within parties such as DP, UPC, and NEED to confirm legitimate flag-bearers.
“Transparency is our cornerstone. We’ll deliver a credible 2026 poll for all Ugandans,” Byabakama assured.
With campaigns set to begin in October, the verified candidates will soon hit the campaign trail, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election season.
