Race For State House Heats Up As 30 Presidential Hopefuls Beat EC Requirements

By Our Reporter

Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has confirmed that 30 presidential aspirants have successfully submitted their supporter signatures, marking a key milestone on Uganda’s road to the January 2026 general elections.

Speaking during a media briefing at the EC’s headquarters in Kampala’s Industrial Area, Byabakama said the Commission is now racing to verify thousands of endorsements ahead of the September nomination dates.

Under the Presidential Elections Act, each presidential aspirant must secure at least 100 signatures from registered voters in no fewer than 98 districts, totaling a minimum of 9,800 valid endorsements. The EC will scrutinize every name to confirm voter registration status and ensure that no supporter has backed multiple candidates.

“Verification involves matching names, signatures, and voter records,” Byabakama explained. “Once everything checks out, we issue a compliance certificate, clearing aspirants to pay nomination fees and book a nomination slot.”

The nominations are set for September 23 and 24, 2025 at the EC’s new offices in Lweza, Entebbe.

Museveni, Bobi Wine, Katumba Among Early Filers

Among the 30 who beat the deadline are some of the most recognizable figures in Ugandan politics.

• President Yoweri Museveni, 80, and flag-bearer for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), submitted over 2.2 million signatures last week, far exceeding the legal requirement as he seeks a seventh term in office.
• Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), also filed his forms, vowing to challenge Museveni again despite arrests and threats. “If I’m alive and not in jail, I’ll run to fight for change,” Kyagulanyi has repeatedly stated.
• Nathan Nandala Mafabi, FDC Secretary General, is spearheading his party’s campaign after internal leadership changes.
• Jimmy Akena, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) president and son of UPC founder Milton Obote, has also submitted his endorsements.
• Joseph Kabuleta, journalist-turned-preacher, filed his bid under the NEED party despite ongoing leadership wrangles.
• John Katumba, 28, who made history as Uganda’s youngest-ever presidential candidate in 2021, is back as an independent.
• Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party (DP) and perennial contender Peter Walubengo Mayanja of Uganda Federal Alliance also filed.

The EC revealed that early checks have already flagged irregularities, including endorsements from minors as young as 13 and voters listed under the wrong districts.

“These errors can cost aspirants their place on the ballot,” Byabakama warned, urging all candidates to double-check their lists before the deadline. “Verification takes time, and late submissions risk disqualification.”

Party Wrangles & Petitions

Beyond presidential preparations, the EC is handling nearly 100 petitions from recent local government polls, with about 30 already concluded. The Commission is also mediating disputes within parties including DP, UPC, and NEED to determine legitimate flag bearers.

“Transparency and fairness are at the heart of our work,” Byabakama assured. “Our goal is to deliver a credible 2026 election that reflects the will of Ugandans.”

With campaigns officially set to begin in October 2025 and run until January 2026, the stage is now set for what promises to be one of the most hotly contested races in Uganda’s history.