Byabakama Confirms 30 Aspirants Submit Signatures For 2026 Presidential Race

The chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama confirmed yesterday that 30 presidential aspirants have submitted their supporter signatures ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections. The announcement marks a critical step in the electoral roadmap as the country heads into what is expected to be one of the most contested polls in recent history.

Speaking to the press at the commission’s headquarters in Kampala’s Industrial Area, Byabakama explained that the submissions would now undergo verification to ensure compliance with the Presidential Elections Act. The law requires each aspirant to present at least 100 signatures from registered voters in no fewer than 98 districts, amounting to a minimum of 9,800 endorsements. He emphasized that the verification process is designed to confirm the authenticity of each supporter and to guard against duplicate endorsements.

“Once the signatures are validated, a compliance certificate is issued, after which a candidate can proceed with paying nomination fees and securing an official slot,” Byabakama said. He encouraged aspirants to book their nomination appointments, which will take place on September 23 and 24 at the new Electoral Commission offices in Lweza, Entebbe.

Among the first to submit was President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement, who presented over 2.2 million signatures after his party endorsed him for another term. The 80-year-old leader, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is seeking a seventh term. Opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, also lodged his forms. Kyagulanyi, who secured 35 percent of the vote in 2021, has reiterated his determination to challenge the incumbent despite repeated confrontations with security agencies.

Other familiar faces include Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change, Uganda People’s Congress president Jimmy Akena, and journalist-turned-politician Joseph Kabuleta, who filed under his NEED party. Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party and perennial contender Peter Walubengo Mayanja of the Uganda Federal Alliance are also in the race, alongside John Katumba, who at 28 remains one of the youngest aspirants after his surprise entry in 2021.

Byabakama commended those who submitted early but warned that hundreds of aspirants who picked forms in August risk running out of time. “Verification is a demanding process. Errors such as underage signatories or mismatched voter details can lead to disqualification,” he noted, revealing that the commission had already identified irregularities in some submissions.

The Electoral Commission is simultaneously handling internal party disputes that could affect nominations, including wrangles within the DP, UPC, and NEED. Byabakama said the commission remains committed to fairness, noting that hearings are underway to determine authentic party representatives.

He also addressed lingering petitions from recent local elections, assuring Ugandans that all grievances will be heard before the commission concludes its work. “Our mission is to uphold transparency and credibility at every level of the electoral process,” he said.

With campaigns expected to begin in October, the presidential race is shaping up to be a heated contest. For many Ugandans, the months ahead will test not only the strength of the country’s democracy but also the resolve of the institutions charged with safeguarding it.