BREAKING NEWS!! Only 20 Candidates Submit Signatures for 2026 Presidential Elections

Out of the 220 individuals who picked presidential nomination forms in August, just 20 have submitted supporters’ signatures to the Electoral Commission (EC) for verification ahead of the 2026 general elections. This marks a sharp decline from initial expressions of interest to formal compliance.

EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi revealed that nine submissions came from political party candidates, while 11 were from independents. He stressed that the commission’s verification process is meticulous—ensuring each supporter is a registered voter, a Ugandan citizen, and has endorsed only one candidate.

According to Mucunguzi, several submissions contained mistakes, including falsified National Identification Numbers (NINs). He emphasized: “Certificates of compliance will only be issued once every detail is confirmed.”

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) handed in 2.2 million signatures backing President Yoweri Museveni. The National Unity Platform (NUP) also submitted endorsements for its leader, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya confirmed that the party surpassed the legal threshold. Meanwhile, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presented over one million signatures supporting Nathan Nandala Mafabi.

Other political parties that successfully filed endorsements include the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Common Man’s Party, Uganda People’s Movement, Revolutionary People’s Party, Conservative Party, National Peasants Party (NPP), and Joseph Kabuleta’s National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED).

In contrast, the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) was blocked after failing to secure the required 100 signatures from at least 98 districts, underscoring the EC’s strict enforcement of election regulations.

Among the independent candidates are 2021 hopeful John Katumba, Victoria University law student Alvin Mivule, Francis Ntezibyayo, and pastor Henry Byabakama Katabazi. Katumba ran into trouble when he submitted his papers late at night without the required cover letter, leading to rejection of his documents.

Some independents voiced frustration with the process. For instance, David Magezi accused the EC of unnecessary delays despite early submission. However, the commission maintained that full compliance with the law is non-negotiable, warning that candidates failing to meet the 100-signature minimum per district will be automatically disqualified.

Presidential nominations are set for September 23–24. Only those who pass the verification process will be cleared to appear on the 2026 ballot.

This development highlights both the competitiveness of the upcoming elections and the EC’s commitment to ensuring only duly qualified candidates are allowed to contest.