KAMPALA, Uganda — The Electoral Commission (EC) has concluded the presidential nomination exercise and issued a warning to all nominated candidates and their supporters to refrain from campaigning before the official start date of September 29, 2025.
In a statement released after the two-day exercise, EC Chairperson and Returning Officer for Presidential Nominations, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, reminded the aspirants that their campaigns can only begin after their schedules have been harmonized with the Commission. The statement warned candidates to abide by the law to avoid any sanctions.
“The Presidential Campaign Period will officially begin on 29th September 2025, after the harmonisation of candidates’ campaign programmes with the Commission,” the statement read.
The nomination exercise, held on September 23 and 24 at the EC grounds in Lweza–Lubowa, Wakiso District, saw eight candidates successfully nominated in accordance with the Presidential Elections Act.
On the first day, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Kasibante Robert of the National Progressive Party (NPP), and Mabirizi Joseph of the Conservative Party (CP) were all duly nominated.
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The following day, nominations were confirmed for Nandala Mafabi James Nathan of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga of the Change for a Meaningful Presidency (CMP), and Bulira Frank Kabinga of the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP).
While the announcement signals the official start of the presidential race, it also highlights a historic absence — for the first time in more than two decades, no woman will appear on the ballot.
Justice Byabakama commended the candidates and their supporters for their peaceful conduct throughout the nominations. He urged them to maintain the same level of discipline throughout the official campaign period.
With nominations complete, Uganda now looks forward to the campaign season, which is expected to feature a spirited competition between the incumbent, President Museveni, and key opposition contenders.
