By Aggrey Baba
Uganda has entered a decisive stage in its electoral roadmap as the nomination of candidates for the 2026 Local Government Councils Elections officially started today, 3rd September, in an exercise which marks the first major activity leading to the polls and will run until 24th September.
Day one has opened the door for those aspiring to lead at the highest local levels, including district and city chairpersons, the Lord Mayor, and councillors, while Special Interest Group (SIG) representatives such as youth, women, persons with disabilities and older persons are also included in this first phase. These nominations will continue until 5th September at gazetted district and city centres.
Once this phase is completed, attention will turn to municipality and city division leaders from 8th to 10th September, before shifting to municipal division, sub-county and town council positions between 11th and 24th September. County nomination centres will host the lower-level contests, while district and city centres remain the venues for the higher offices.
The Commission has made it clear that only those who meet the set requirements will be accepted, and aspirants are expected to present duly completed forms, supporting documents and proof of eligibility in line with the electoral laws. To facilitate this, the necessary forms and guidelines have already been distributed at district offices and uploaded to the Commission’s website for easy access.
The opening of nominations signals the beginning of heightened political activity across the country, and for many aspirants, this is the moment to formally enter the race after months of preparation. For the public, it is the first glimpse of who will seek to steer local governments over the next five years, shaping service delivery and grassroots leadership.
As the clock ticks through this month, the nomination period will serve as the gateway to one of the most competitive election seasons in Uganda’s recent history. EC’s structured timetable is intended to ensure order, fairness and transparency as the journey to 2026 gathers pace. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
