The Electoral Commission (EC) in Wakiso District has issued a firm warning to aspiring candidates seeking nomination for various political offices, urging them to ensure full compliance with all legal and academic requirements before presenting themselves for vetting.
The warning was delivered by Wakiso District Registrar Talbert Musinguzi, who decried the growing number of individuals turning up at nomination centers with incomplete or fraudulent documents.
Musinguzi made the remarks during the ongoing nomination exercise at the District headquarters, where large crowds of hopeful candidates have gathered in anticipation of formalizing their bids ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The nomination process, meant to be a serious and well-prepared undertaking, has so far been marred by disqualifications. At least five aspiring candidates have already been turned away after failing to meet the basic prerequisites set out by the Electoral Commission.
The disqualifications followed verifications that exposed discrepancies in academic documents and identity records.
One candidate reportedly submitted a diploma certificate that could not be authenticated, while another's A-Level results failed verification with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). A third aspirant was found to have mismatched identity credentials, raising serious integrity concerns.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the nomination exercise, Musinguzi emphasized that the nomination process is not a symbolic gesture, but a critical filtering stage meant to protect the credibility of Uganda’s democratic processes. He warned that ignorance of nomination requirements would not be tolerated and advised all potential candidates to take personal responsibility for ensuring their documentation is authentic and complete.
“It is imperative for every individual aspiring to represent the people of Wakiso to understand that the nomination process is not a mere formality but a rigorous vetting exercise,” Musinguzi said. “This is a serious undertaking. Candidates must be fully prepared, possess the requisite qualifications, and present genuine, verifiable documents. Ignorance is not an excuse.”
The Registrar expressed concern over a pattern of negligence and, in some cases, deliberate falsification among individuals presenting themselves for nomination. He stressed that appearing without the required paperwork delays the process and disrespects both the Commission and fellow candidates who have followed due process.
“When a candidate is turned away because they have not done their homework, it not only disheartens that individual but also creates unnecessary delays,” he said. “If someone cannot prepare properly for the nomination process, how can they be trusted with the responsibilities of public office?”
Musinguzi further warned that candidates who attempt to use forged academic qualifications or fraudulent documents would face serious legal consequences. Under Ugandan law, such actions constitute criminal offenses, punishable by heavy fines and imprisonment. He emphasized that the EC has robust systems in place for verifying submitted documentation with UNEB and other national institutions.
“Let me be clear,” he said. “Anyone caught presenting false documents will face the full force of the law. We are committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. This is not just about gaining access to the ballot—this is about trust, leadership, and national credibility.”
According to sources close to the nomination team, several other aspiring candidates are currently under review for similar documentation concerns, including unverified academic transcripts and inconsistencies in personal information. These cases are being handled with strict confidentiality, pending final determinations.
The Electoral Commission’s message comes at a critical time, with political activity intensifying across the district. Wakiso, Uganda’s most populous district, is expected to witness a highly competitive race across multiple levels of government in the 2026 elections. As such, the EC is keen to enforce high standards at every stage of the process, beginning with nominations.
Musinguzi urged all aspirants to approach the process with seriousness, honesty, and full compliance with electoral laws. He encouraged those unsure about requirements to seek guidance from legal advisors or electoral agents rather than risking disqualification.
As the nomination window remains open in the coming weeks, the Commission’s proactive stance is expected to minimize irregularities and reinforce public confidence in the upcoming electoral exercise. The EC's firm tone signals a clear message: those who seek to lead must first demonstrate integrity and preparedness.