NUP Extends Nomination Deadline Indefinitely, Vetting to Begin July 28, 2025

By Lwanga Derrick

KAMPALA, Uganda – July 25, 2025 – The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced an indefinite extension of its nomination deadline for party aspirants seeking to contest in the 2026 general elections, citing ongoing challenges with document verification. The party’s Electoral Management Committee (EMC) also confirmed that the vetting process for candidates will commence on Monday, July 28, 2025, starting with aspirants from Kampala and Wakiso districts.

In a statement released today, EMC Chairperson Harriet Chemutai explained that the extension aims to accommodate candidates struggling with the verification of academic documents at the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and the National Council for Higher Education, as well as those needing to align their names across official records. “We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and fair process,” Chemutai said. “This temporary extension provides relief to thousands of aspirants facing logistical hurdles.”

The decision follows an earlier extension of the nomination deadline to July 25, prompted by an overwhelming response from over 50,000 NUP members who submitted their expression of interest forms. The high turnout reflects the party’s growing momentum as it prepares to challenge for political dominance in 2026. However, tensions persist between NUP and the national Electoral Commission (ECU) over a directive requiring re-verification of academic documents, a move NUP has criticized as a targeted effort to burden opposition candidates.

NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya condemned what he described as “continued acts of intimidation” by state security operatives during the nomination process. “Despite these challenges, the enthusiasm of Ugandans to shape their future under the NUP banner is unwavering,” Rubongoya stated.

The vetting process, set to kick off next week, will prioritize Kampala and Wakiso, with Members of Parliament facing vetting from August 20 to 27, 2025, to secure the NUP ticket. The party has urged aspirants to prepare for the rigorous evaluation, which will assess their eligibility and alignment with NUP’s values.

As NUP continues to mobilize grassroots support, the indefinite extension signals its commitment to inclusivity while navigating logistical and political challenges. The party remains focused on consolidating its presence nationwide, with the 2026 elections looming as a critical test of its growing influence.