EC reschedules nominations amid NAM summit
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission
Kampala, Uganda – Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC) has announced adjustments to the country’s electoral roadmap, shifting key dates for parliamentary nominations and setting new timelines for campaign activities ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The nomination of candidates for parliamentary seats and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) initially planned for 15–16 October 2025 has been postponed to 22–23 October 2025. The EC said the change was necessary because Uganda will be hosting the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Midterm Review Conference on the original dates. The summit, taking place 15–16 October in Kampala, is expected to draw government officials, legislators, and diplomats from across the globe.
The Commission explained that the overlap would have strained state institutions responsible for planning, security, and diplomacy.
Key electoral activities and dates
- Presidential nominations: 23–24 September 2025
- Harmonisation of presidential campaign programmes: 25–27 September 2025
- Presidential campaigns: 29 September 2025 – 12 January 2026
- Parliamentary nominations: 22–23 October 2025
- SIGs nominations: 22–23 October 2025
- Parliamentary campaigns: 10 November 2025 – 12 January 2026
- Local government campaigns (including SIGs): 10 November 2025 – 12 January 2026
- Polling for presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections (including SIGs): 12 January – 9 February 2026
Implications
While the EC framed the changes as necessary for “administrative efficiency and national focus,” the decision compresses the electoral timetable, leaving candidates less room to organise campaigns. Analysts warn this could disproportionately affect opposition hopefuls and newcomers with fewer resources.
Uganda now faces the challenge of balancing the demands of a high-profile international conference with the intense political season leading up to the 2026 elections.
