By Mulengera Reporters
The political atmosphere across Uganda has ignited as the Electoral Commission (EC) officially opened campaigns for the Parliamentary and Local Government elections today.
According to the EC, a total of 2,025 candidates were nominated to contest for the 353 Directly-Elected Member of Parliament seats, while 640 others will battle it out for the 146 District and City Woman Representative positions.
The contest at the local level is equally intense, with 521 candidates vying for 146 City and District Chairperson positions.
In total, a staggering 83,597 candidates are now campaigning for 45,505 elective positions ranging from President to Sub County Councillor marking one of the largest political showdowns in Uganda’s history.
The EC Deputy Spokesperson, Paul Bukenya, said that the campaigns would follow a harmonized schedule, running daily from 7am to 6pm, and that candidates were expected to adhere strictly to the gazetted campaign areas and timelines.
He also indicated that candidates and their agents were expected to coordinate with security agencies to prevent any crime-related incidents during the campaign period.
Bukenya further mentioned that the Commission had warned candidates against using abusive or vulgar language, urging them instead to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns that reflect respect and maturity.
As rallies, posters, and motorcades spring to life across the country, the EC’s signal has officially set the stage for a heated and historic political race. The battle for 2026 is on and the nation is watching.
