KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s 2026 presidential race is beginning to take shape after the Electoral Commission (EC) confirmed that 11 aspirants have successfully returned supporter endorsement forms, a key constitutional requirement ahead of next year’s polls.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kampala on Wednesday, EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said the candidates had submitted signatures from at least two-thirds of Uganda’s districts, as required by law.
“The law requires each presidential aspirant to be endorsed by a proposer and a seconder from two-thirds of the districts. Each registered voter is permitted to endorse only one aspirant. As of September 10th, 2025, eleven aspirants had submitted their forms to the Commission,” Mucunguzi said.
Of the 11 aspirants, five are sponsored by political parties: the National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), Conservative Party (CP), and the Common Man’s Party (CMP). The remaining six are independents who secured endorsements from registered voters nationwide.
More candidates are expected to submit forms, including aspirants from the long-ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
From 200 to 11: A crowded field narrows
The number marks a significant reduction in the field of contenders. Earlier in the electoral roadmap, more than 200 Ugandans had collected nomination forms.
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The latest figures, however, show the competition narrowing to a smaller group of serious candidates.
Mucunguzi confirmed that the Commission will now scrutinize the submissions to verify their authenticity and ensure full compliance with electoral law.
The EC has maintained that presidential nominations will take place on September 23rd and 24th, 2025, at its headquarters in Kampala. Only aspirants who successfully pass the endorsement verification exercise will proceed to the nomination stage.
With the deadline approaching, political activity is expected to intensify as aspirants finalize preparations for the 2026 presidential race.
