The Electoral Commission in Ntungamo District says it is fully prepared to kick off the two-day nomination exercise for Members of Parliament, beginning Wednesday, with at least 25 aspirants expected to be nominated across the district’s five constituencies and the Woman MP seat.
According to the Ntungamo District Returning Officer, Latif Ngonzi, all candidates have been sensitized about the nomination requirements and deadlines to ensure a smooth and credible process.
He emphasized that the Commission will strictly adhere to electoral guidelines and maintain transparency throughout.
“All Members of Parliament candidates are supposed to have paid in the bank the nomination fee of Shs3 million. They are supposed to come with a proposer and seconder, and have ten supporters sign on the nomination forms,” Ngonzi explained.
“We are starting tomorrow morning at 9am and closing at 5pm, as well as on Thursday. We are set and waiting for them.”
Ngonzi reiterated that candidates who arrive late or fail to present valid academic documents will not be allowed to proceed with the nomination.
“In order for someone to contest for a parliamentary seat, he or she should have completed Senior Six or its equivalent here in Uganda,” he clarified.
“Those who studied from abroad or those trying to equate their qualifications to A-Level should have their documents verified by the National Council for Higher Education or UNEB. They must present something stamped by the Council to confirm verification.”
He added that those who studied within Uganda are required to come with original academic documents for validation.
The nomination exercise will officially close on Thursday evening, after which the Commission will guide candidates on the next steps.
“Once nominations are done, candidates will draw their campaign programs, and we shall later call them to harmonize their campaign meetings,” Ngonzi said.
“The campaign season will start after the harmonization process has been completed.”
Ngonzi also drew a distinction between the Electoral Commission’s operations and those of political parties’ internal election committees.
“With us as the Electoral Commission, we are different from party electoral commissions,” he stressed.
“We are very genuine and ensure that we have free and fair elections while strictly following the voters register.”
