By Charles Katabalwa
KAMPALA
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced changes to the presidential nomination dates ahead of the 2025/26 General Elections. The exercise, originally scheduled for October 2nd and 3rd, will now take place earlier—on September 23rd and 24th, 2025.
While addressing the press at the IEC headquarters in Kampala, Justice Simon Byabakama, the IEC Chairperson, said the adjustment is aimed at creating sufficient time to manage post-nomination processes effectively.
“These changes will allow the Commission to better prepare for subsequent electoral activities, including the harmonization of campaign programs and the signing of the memorandum of undertaking by nominated candidates,” Byabakama said.
The official campaign period for presidential candidates will run from October 4th, 2025, to January 10th, 2026, according to the Commission.
Justice Byabakama also reminded aspiring candidates that in order to qualify for nomination, they must collect signatures from at least 100 registered voters in not less than 71 districts. He emphasized that the collection and submission of supporter forms must be done within the timelines provided to allow for proper verification by the Commission.
In a related development, the IEC has issued fresh guidance on the academic qualifications required for candidates, particularly addressing concerns surrounding verification.
According to Justice Byabakama, candidates who obtained their Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (A-Level) within Uganda are not required to verify their academic documents through the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
The clarification comes in response to a growing trend of unnecessary submissions for verification, which has led to procedural delays.
“Only those who studied outside Uganda are required to present a certificate of equivalence from NCHE,” Byabakama said.
He further clarified that certificates of equivalence issued during the 2021 General Elections are no longer valid. Candidates must apply afresh for the 2025/26 electoral cycle.
Additionally, individuals who obtained qualifications from the University of East Africa or its constituent colleges in the 1950s and 1960s are exempt from academic document verification.
Candidates who do require verification must submit their certificates of equivalence to the Electoral Commission at least two months before the nomination dates.
The Commission hopes the new guidelines will streamline the nomination process and reduce confusion, enabling candidates to focus on complying with other legal and procedural requirements.
