Kampala, Uganda: The Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has confirmed that a total of 35 presidential aspirants have successfully submitted supporter signatures ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, setting the stage for the highly anticipated nominations later this month.
Addressing journalists at the EC headquarters in Industrial Area, Kampala, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the listed aspirants met the first legal hurdle under the Presidential Elections Act, which requires endorsements from at least 100 registered voters in no fewer than 98 districts nationwide, amounting to a minimum of 9,800 signatures.
“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 EC boss added that nomination slots will be booked for September 23 and 24 at the Commission’s new offices in Lweza, Entebbe, to avoid last-minute congestion.
Among the 35 who met the deadline are key political figures from the 2021 race, including President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM), who submitted more than 2.2 million signatures after his party primaries endorsed him for a potential seventh term, Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP), widely known as Bobi Wine, the opposition leader who garnered 35 percent in 2021, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Forum for Democratic Change Secretary General leading his party’s ticket and Jimmy Akena (UPC), the party president and son of UPC founder Dr. Milton Obote.
Others include Joseph Kabuleta (NEED): journalist-turned-pastor, despite wrangles in his party, Norbert Mao (DP): Democratic Party president, though the party is grappling with internal disputes, John Katumba: Uganda’s youngest-ever presidential aspirant in 2021, now 28, running as an independent, and Peter Walubengo Mayanja (UFA): a perennial contender under the Uganda Federal Alliance.
Tight Deadlines, Common Errors
Byabakama praised early submissions but urged over 180 other aspirants who picked forms in August to act fast. “Verification takes time. Don’t wait until the last minute,” he warned. He revealed that some submissions have already been flagged for irregularities, including endorsements from minors as young as 13 and supporters listed in the wrong districts. “These errors could sink a campaign,” Byabakama cautioned.
Beyond the presidential race, Byabakama said the EC is grappling with nearly 100 petitions from local polls, about 30 of which have been concluded, stressing that all sides are heard in line with electoral fairness.
He added that the commission is also mediating party leadership disputes within DP, UPC, and NEED, where rival factions are battling for presidential slots. “We’re determining authentic representatives to keep the process fair,” Byabakama said.
Full List of 35 Aspirants Cleared in First Hurdle in 2026 Presidential Race
- Mabirizi Joseph – CP
- Akena James Michael Jimmy – UPC
- Busiku Basil Godfrey – IND
- Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga – CMP
- Nkwanga Michael – IND
- Mubangizi James – IND
- Magezi David William – IND
- Chemuko Wakubi Fred – IDP
- Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert – NUP
- Kizito Deo Lukyamuzi – IND
- Keddi Steven Eric – UPM
- Buule Kasim Male – IND
- Byamukama Henry – IND
- Museveni Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta – NRM
- Nandala Mafabi James Nathan – FDC
- Akampurira Deogratius – IND
- Kabuleeta Kiiza Joseph – NEED
- Katushabe Ronald – IND
- Mivule Alvin – IND
- Kasibante Robert – NPP
- Katumba John – IND
- Ntezibwayo Francis – IND
- Nsereko Muhammad – EPU
- Magera George Willam – PPP
- Mugisha Muntu Gregg – ANT
- Ssebyala Henry – IND
- Bulira Frank – RPP
- Kalyesubula Benjamin – IND
- Muhamudu Abdala – IND
- Mawaje Francis – IND
- Mutto Milton – IND
- Kasaijja Wycliff Kizza – IND
- Bbaale Charles – IND
- Nankambwe Pauline – IND
- Ssali Jamil Sulaiman – COSEVO
Campaigns for the 2025-26 election season are expected to kick off in October once verifications and nominations are finalized.
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