EC Delays UPDF, 5th Special Interest Groups Representative Nomination as SIG Candidates Set to Be Nominated at Industrial Area

By Mulengera Reporters

The Electoral Commission (EC) has confirmed that nominations for candidates seeking to represent Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in the 2026 parliamentary elections will take place on Wednesday, 22nd October and Thursday, 23rd October 2025.

The nominations will be held at the Commission’s headquarters, located on Plot 1-3/5 Seventh Street in Industrial Area, Kampala, and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on each of the two days.

Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, announced that the categories of SIGs whose representatives will be nominated during this period include Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, Workers, and Youths.

However, the nomination for the fifth Special Interest Group representatives of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will be conducted at a later date, in accordance with Section 9 of the Parliamentary Elections Act.

To qualify for nomination, an aspiring candidate representing a Special Interest Group must be a citizen of Uganda and a registered voter.

Candidates will also be required to fulfill all nomination requirements outlined in the Electoral Commission’s official guidelines tailored for each SIG.

These include detailed procedures specific to Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, Workers, and Youths.

The Commission has made these guidelines, along with nomination forms, available at all City and District EC offices across the country. They are also accessible online via the Commission’s website: [www.ec.or.ug](http://www.ec.or.ug).

The Commission has acknowledged and appreciated aspirants who have already submitted their nomination documents in advance to their respective City or District Returning Officers for verification.

Such early submissions, the EC noted, help streamline the process and reduce last-minute pressure on nomination days.

Justice Byabakama urged all other aspirants to strictly follow the nomination procedures to avoid any inconveniences.

On nomination day, all aspiring candidates will be required to submit the necessary documentation for verification.

Only those who fully comply with the requirements will be declared duly nominated by the Commission following a thorough scrutiny of their documents.

Once candidates have been successfully nominated, those who intend to meet with supporters to launch their manifestos are advised to organize such events in full accordance with existing traffic regulations and laws governing public assemblies.

The EC emphasized that public order and safety remain paramount during the campaign period.

Following the conclusion of the nomination exercise, the Commission has scheduled meetings between District or City Returning Officers and all nominated candidates, to take place from 24th to 27th October 2025.

These meetings will be held within the respective electoral districts and are intended to harmonize the candidates’ campaign programmes.

Thereafter, official campaigning will begin on 10th November 2025 and will run through to 13th January 2026.

Justice Byabakama reiterated the Electoral Commission’s unwavering commitment to conducting the entire nomination process with integrity, transparency, and professionalism.

He called on all stakeholders involved in the electoral process to take note of the key dates and to cooperate fully to ensure that the nomination exercise is conducted smoothly and lawfully.