2026 polls: Number of presidential aspirants exceeds 70

__________________

The number of presidential aspirants that have picked nomination forms for the 2026 general election has exceeded 70 on the second day of the exercise.

Those who picked the forms on Tuesday (August 12) from the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Kampala were 21 by the time of writing this story, bringing the total so far to 72.

Sandra Acayo picking nomination forms for the 2026 general election. (Photo by Ronnie Kijjambu)

They include Deogratius Akampurira, a student at Uganda Pentecostal University in Fort Portal City, and Godwin Birungi, a secondary school teacher in Rubirizi district.

Akampurira vowed to make fighting corruption one of his top priorities if elected president early next year, while Birungi promised to improve on social services such as health and roads.

The aspirants also picked supporter forms and nomination guidelines for use in collecting signatures of not less than 100 registered voters from at least 98 districts in Uganda.

Dr Milton Mutto picking nomination forms for the 2026 general election. (Photo by Ronnie Kijjambu)

The collection of the forms is expected to end on September 24, 2025, according to EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama.

The law says a person aspiring for nomination as a presidential candidate shall be a citizen of Uganda by birth, a registered voter of 18 years of age and above.

They shall submit certified copies of educational qualifications confirming that they obtained a minimum formal education of A'Level or its equivalent.

They are also required to pay a shillings 20 million nomination fee in the bank.

Vonitor Nassanga picking nomination forms for the 2026 general election. (Photo by Ronnie Kijjambu)

Observers say the number of presidential aspirants could increase with the nomination dates set for September 23-24 (this year).

The collection of the forms and guidelines is being done physically at the EC head offices, located on Plot 1-3 and 5, 7th Street Industrial Area, Kampala, from 8:00 am until 5:00pm on each weekday.

Byabakama said the physical collection is to allow the EC to identify and document presidential aspirants, and notify relevant authorities across the country to expect them in the field and offer them support, as may be necessary.

Hannington Muteesa picking nomination forms for the 2026 general election. (Photo by Ronnie Kijjambu)

“An individual intending to collect nomination forms and supporter forms on behalf of a political party/organisation must present written proof of authorisation. This authorisation must be issued by the secretary general of the political party/organisation or a designated official,” the EC boss said.

Likewise, aspirants intending to contest as independents and seeking to collect nomination and supporter forms must present proof of registration as voters, he added.