Uganda Electoral Commission clarifies rules on academic qualifications for 2025/26 Elections

The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued new guidance on the verification of academic qualifications for political aspirants ahead of the 2025/2026 General Elections.

In a statement released Tuesday, the EC reminded those seeking to contest for positions including President, Member of Parliament, District or City Chairperson, and Lord Mayor that the minimum academic requirement remains the Advanced Level (A-Level) certificate or its equivalent.

The Commission emphasized that aspirants who studied outside Uganda must have their qualifications verified by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), working in consultation with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). Such candidates are required to obtain a certificate from NCHE confirming the equivalency of their qualifications.

For those without A-Level but holding alternative qualifications they consider equivalent, the EC noted that only NCHE is mandated to issue a certificate of equivalency. Aspirants must then submit this certificate to the Electoral Commission headquarters or their District Election Administrator at least two months before nomination dates.

The Commission further clarified that certificates of equivalency issued in past elections will not be accepted for the upcoming polls. Fresh certificates must be obtained, unless an aspirant has since earned a higher qualification within Uganda, such as a university degree.

However, not all categories of candidates are required to undergo verification. According to the statement, those exempted include:

Aspirants with an A-Level certificate obtained in Uganda,
Aspirants with higher qualifications earned in Uganda, and
Aspirants holding qualifications beyond A-Level from the former University of East Africa or its constituent colleges.

“These categories of persons need not establish their academic qualifications with the Electoral Commission,” the statement read, adding that such candidates are also exempted from the two-month pre-nomination submission requirement.

The clarification comes as Uganda prepares for a highly anticipated election season.

The statement was signed by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.