We’ve No Time To Waste! EC Abruptly Makes Key Changes In 2026 Elections

By Our Reporter

The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) has brought forward the nomination of presidential candidates for the 2026 general elections to September 23-24, 2025 from the earlier scheduled October 2-3 date.

This has been done after “taking into consideration the post-nomination processes that have to be completed” before the candidates can head out for campaigns, EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi told a press conference at the commission’s headquarters in Kampala on Friday (July 18).

He also announced other adjustments to the 2025-2026 General Elections Roadmap.

The nomination for candidates for local government will take place from September 3 until September 12.

The nomination for parliamentary candidates will follow (September 16-17).

Byabakama said the campaign period for candidates for all elective positions will be as follows:

▪️ Presidential campaigns: From October 4 until January 12, 2026
▪️ Parliamentary campaigns: From September 23 until January 12, 2026
▪️ Local government, including Special Interest Groups (SIGs): From September 13 until January 12, 2026.

Meanwhile, today (July 18), the commission is conducting Special Interest Groups (SIGs) elections, this time focusing on youth committees.

Friday’s exercise is taking place at sub-county, town council and municipal division level. This follows SIGs elections for older persons committees and persons with disabilities (PWDs) earlier this week.