By Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama has cautioned political parties to streamline their internal nomination processes ahead of the 2026 General Elections, warning that the Commission will not tolerate confusion in the endorsement of candidates.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala, Justice Byabakama said the EC has observed increasing cases of contradictions between district party registrars and party Secretariat, particularly during the recently concluded local government nominations.
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We have had several petitions where a district registrar endorses a candidate for nomination, only for the party’s secretary general to later claim that the person was not the rightful flag bearer,” Byabakama said. “The law does not work like that. Once a person is nominated as an independent, they remain independent and cannot later be rebranded as a party flag bearer.”
Byabakama noted that such disorganization not only delays the nomination process but also leads to unnecessary disputes between aspirants and party officials. He appealed to all political parties to “identify their rightful flag bearers appropriately through their internal systems” to avoid similar confusion when parliamentary nominations begin later this month.
According to the Commission, nominations for directly elected Members of Parliament and district women representatives will take place on October 22 and 23, 2025, at all district and city headquarters across the country. Polling for Members of Parliament will be held on January 15, 2026.
Byabakama said the Commission is already handling about 200 petitions arising from the local government nomination process and continues to guide political parties and aspirants on compliance with the electoral roadmap.
He also reminded aspirants that campaigns for local government elections will officially start on November 10, 2025, warning against premature campaigning.
“The Commission is fully committed to ensuring a transparent and lawful process, but we urge all stakeholders especially political parties to play their part responsibly,” he emphasized.
The EC chairperson reaffirmed that preparations for the 2025/2026 General Elections are on schedule, with voter education and logistical arrangements ongoing across the country.
