A wave of excitement and urgency has gripped the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Kampala as aspiring candidates for the 2026 parliamentary elections scramble to verify their qualifications ahead of the official nomination dates set for October 22 and 23, 2025.
The aspirants are lining up to confirm their academic credentials, payment receipts, and other required documents to ensure a smooth nomination process once the exercise begins midweek.
According to EC officials, the verification process has intensified as candidates rush to book time slots to avoid last-minute congestion.
Jennifer Kyobutungi, the EC’s Head of Elections, confirmed that over 30 aspirants had already booked their nomination slots in Kampala alone.
“We have about 20 candidates already confirmed for the first day of nominations and another 10 for the second day,” Kyobutungi said.
“Those who haven’t yet booked should do so immediately because we won’t be able to handle all candidates within just two days.”
Each parliamentary aspirant is required to present proof of payment of UGX 3 million, along with verified academic qualifications and other documentation before nomination.
Many candidates were seen carrying receipts issued by the Commission confirming their payments.
EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said logistics and materials for the exercise have already been dispatched to district headquarters nationwide in readiness for the two-day event.
“All the equipment and materials needed for nominations have been delivered to the districts,” Mucunguzi said.
“We are fully prepared and waiting for the official start of the process on Wednesday.”
He also cautioned unqualified individuals against showing up for nomination, stressing that the Commission will strictly enforce eligibility standards.
“Anyone who doesn’t meet the required qualifications should not waste time coming for nomination. The Commission will not bend the rules,” he emphasized.
With the nomination days fast approaching, the EC headquarters remains a hive of activity as aspirants make last-minute verifications to secure their place on the 2026 parliamentary ballot, marking the first major step in what promises to be a heated election season.