By Barbara Nansimbi
The Chairperson Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama has issued a stern warning to all aspirants who were nominated for local government level positions to stop early campaigns.
He guided that these candidates must wait until November 10 when their campaign schedules have been gazetted to commence.
Byabakama made the remarks in a press conference held at the EC headquarters, emphasizing that the official campaign date for them is November 10 2025.
Regarding nomination of MPs , Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said the exercise will run from 22-23 October 2025 and will be conducted at their respective districts or cities. He however , excluded legislators for special interest groups like workers MP, youth MP, Elderly MP, People with Disabilities from this arrangement.
He noted that directly elected MPs will be nominated from 363 constituencies, woman MPs from 146 districts.
While elder persons have 5 slots, Pwd MPs 5 slots, workers MP 5 slots and Youth MP 5 slots.
“All aspirants must be citizens of Uganda and must be registered voters, 18 years, have acceptance letter of the appointed agent and name of the sponsor” he guided.
He expressed concern on the disconnect within political party hierarchy whereby putting the party District registrar and Secretary General at clashing lines with each nominating a separate candidate.
Byabakama urged political parties to nominate the right flag bearers and also advised them to streamline their internal processes of nomination of their flag bearers.
On nomination fees , Justice Simon Byabakama maintained Shs3 million which he said must be paid to a designated Bank account in any Bank. He added that nomination fees should not be paid to local government nomination center. He asked aspirants to present their bank slips to the returning officer for verification.
“Aspirants must also attach two passport photos on their nomination papers which will be used to print their ballot papers” he said.
He also asked all MP aspirants to appear at the nomination venue with only two cars each carrying 10 people on condition that each car bears a police sticker.
Justice Byabakama said upon successful nomination of a candidate he/she is free to launch his/her campaign manifesto at a selected venue but in compliance with traffic Laws.
Regarding the ongoing presidential campaigns, Justice Simon Byabakama said the campaigns are moving on very well and announced that polling for presidential candidates and parliamentarians will take place on January 15, 2026. He, however says campaigns will run till January 13,2026.
Justice Simon Byabakama appealed to all stakeholders to maintain peace and stability during electoral process.
Justice Simon Byabakama further revealed that the commission has started receiving reports of death of nominated candidates and that the commission plans to fix fresh nomination exercise.
Byabakama warned nominated candidates against voter bribery to influence support. He however, okayed candidates to carry out fundraising in order to fund their campaigns or agents
