Aspirants for the position of Mityana District Chairperson (LC5) have raised concerns over what they describe as an unfairly high signature requirement for nomination, arguing that it could stifle competition in the upcoming elections.
Under Electoral Commission guidelines, LC5 chairperson hopefuls must collect at least 600 signatures from registered voters in the district’s sub-counties to qualify.
Mityana comprises 17 sub-counties, meaning the prospective candidates must obtain 50 signatures from 12 sub-counties.
Many candidates say this threshold is unusually high compared to other elective positions.
Annie Mariam Nassali Lugendo, the current district vice chairperson and a contender on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, called the requirement “an unnecessary burden,” especially for candidates with limited resources.
“It is surprising that an LC5 aspirant is required to collect 600 signatures, while a parliamentary candidate only needs 10,” Nassali said. “This makes the process unnecessarily difficult, particularly for new entrants who lack substantial financial or logistical backing.”
Other aspirants share her concerns, noting that while the requirement is intended to gauge community support, the threshold is disproportionately high and risks excluding capable leaders.
Political analysts in Mityana warn that the rule could favor wealthier candidates with established networks, undermining the principle of equal opportunity in leadership.
“The principle of fair competition should guide the process. When requirements are too heavy, they discourage participation and deny voters a wider choice of candidates,” one analyst observed.
The Electoral Commission has previously defended the signature threshold, saying it ensures that only candidates with genuine grassroots support appear on the ballot.
Aspirants, however, argue that the figures need adjustment to balance fairness with accessibility.
With the 2026 general elections approaching, the debate over nomination thresholds is expected to intensify. In competitive districts like Mityana, aspirants insist that reforms are needed to level the playing field.
