By BM
The Electoral Commission (EC) has barely begun Uganda’s 2026 election nomination process, but already its desks are piled high with complaints, petitions, and grievances from frustrated aspirants.
From paperwork rejections to accusations of unfair treatment, the Commission is grappling with a wave of disputes that threaten to overshadow what should be a routine phase of the electoral roadmap.
Speaking at the EC headquarters in Kampala, Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama confirmed that the Commission has received “a number of petitions” related to the ongoing nomination process for local government positions.
“The EC is mandated under Article 61 of the Constitution and Section 15 of the Electoral Commission Act to hear and determine complaints arising before and during elections,” Byabakama emphasized. “Any individual or entity with a complaint must submit it officially in writing to enable the Commission to examine the matter and take the appropriate course of action.”
Already, candidates across the country are crying foul — claiming nomination officers are applying the rules too harshly, or in some cases, selectively.
Aspirants Cry Foul
In Jinja, a would-be councilor accused returning officers of “intentionally frustrating independent candidates.”
In Lira, another aspirant alleged that his papers were unfairly rejected for missing a single endorsement signature. And in Mbarara, a group of candidates threatened to march to the EC headquarters after their nomination fees were declared invalid because of “wrong banking procedures.”
“These technicalities are being used to block us,” fumed one rejected aspirant. “If the EC is serious about fairness, they should help candidates’ correct mistakes, not slam the door in our faces.”
EC Pushes Back
But the Commission has strongly defended its officers, insisting the rules are clear and must be followed to the letter.
Byabakama stressed that many failed nominations stemmed from avoidable errors, including incomplete documents, lack of required signatures, and failure to pay fees on time.
“This is not about targeting anyone,” he said firmly. “The law is clear. Those who comply are nominated, those who don’t are rejected. That is the process.”
The EC has, however, promised to review genuine complaints swiftly and in accordance with the law, urging aggrieved aspirants to submit petitions formally rather than engaging in public confrontations.
Analysts Weigh In
Political analysts say the flood of complaints is not surprising. With thousands of candidates vying for positions, they argue, disputes are inevitable, especially in a country where elections are highly competitive and emotions run high.
“This is just the beginning,” one analyst noted. “If aspirants are this angry at the nomination stage, imagine what will happen during campaigns and polling. The EC must be prepared for an avalanche of petitions.”
The Bigger Picture
The complaints are not just administrative hiccups; they underscore the fragile trust between the EC and the political class.
Opposition parties in particular have long accused the Commission of bias, while independents fear they are disadvantaged compared to party-backed candidates.
With presidential nominations scheduled for later this month, observers warn that the EC will need to tread carefully to maintain credibility and avoid inflaming political tensions.
What Next?
As the nomination window continues until **September 24th**, the EC is urging candidates to remain calm and follow procedures.
“Submit your complaints in writing, and we shall handle them fairly,” Byabakama assured.
But with frustration mounting and political stakes rising, Uganda’s electoral referee finds itself in the spotlight once again juggling its constitutional mandate while trying to hold back a storm of discontent. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
