EC clears Museveni, Mabirizi and Kasibante for 2026 election

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Presented and edited by Joseph Kizza
(Scroll down the page for earlier updates)

📍uElectoral Commission Head Office, Lubowa
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 5:40 PM 

Day one done, 3 candidates nominated

And that's it for the opening day of the presidential nominations. Three candidates have secured their presence on Uganda's 2026 presidential ballot paper: NRM's Yoweri Museveni, NPP's Robert Kasibante and CP's Elton Joseph Mabirizi.

What does Wednesday, the second and final day of nominations, have in store for us? We shall wait to find out.

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 4:47 PM 

'Our priorities for this term'

2026 presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) thanked the NRM members for "entrusting and electing me as the NRM Presidential flagbearer for the 2026-2031 term".

He said: "In this economy, the GDP of Uganda has doubled currently in the recent Kisanja [term] from $34 billion to $66 billion. You have everything today that you lacked in the past: electricity, roads, telephones, manpower, the educated people, and peace. That’s why we are being flooded by many investors because they are looking for a peaceful and profitable area where to invest."

Museveni added: "Our priorities for this term include:

1. Wealth creation: Everybody should be involved in the money economy. 
2. Education: All children in government primary and secondary schools should study for free. 
3. Infrastructure: Roads should be tarmacked on time and maintain the murram roads should be maintained. 
4. Crime: There is peace in the country but there's a bit of crime and impunity. The NRM structures should come out and fight them. 
5. Corruption: We should get rid of it. 
6. Health: Immunisation is doing very well. We should also ensure the drugs are not stolen. 
7. Water: Have safe clean water for all villages."
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 4:24 PM 

Leaders congratulate Museveni upon nomination

 By Charles Etukuri: 

Several national leaders have congratulated President Yoweri Museveni upon his successful nomination as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general election.

On Tuesday, Museveni became the first candidate to be nominated by the Electoral Commission in Lubowa. Thereafter, congratulatory messages flowed in from different leaders, including his wife Janet.

“I warmly congratulate you, Mzee, on your nomination to serve the people of Uganda once again. I give glory to God for granting you the grace, health, and wisdom to lead our nation. As we embark on this new chapter, let us, as Ugandans, come together to protect the achievements we have made, embrace the economic growth driven by the PDM [Parish Development Model] and actively engage with the four sectors of wealth creation. May the Lord bless this journey, and may Uganda continue to prosper under your leadership, Mzee,” said the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who is also the Second NRM Vice-Chairperson said: “Congratulations, Mzee Wa Kazi Gen. Museveni, on your successful nomination! We thank God for blessing us with an extraordinary leader and for granting you wisdom, good health, and the courage to lead our nation. Cheers to many more years of protecting the achievements of the revolution!”

Among's deputy in Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, said: “President Museveni, your leadership has liberated Uganda, driven the country’s progress, and continues to prepare us for a brighter future. Congratulations on your nomination as the NRM candidate for the 2026 presidential elections. As we embark on a journey to protect the gains we have made as a country, I wish you and NRM a successful election.”

Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the Minster of Health, shared her message: "Congratulations President Museveni on your nomination as the NRM flagbearer for NRM. Your leadership and vision continue to inspire Uganda. Your people in Lira City are very proud of this memorable day and event.”

Hellen Adoa, the  Minister of State for Fisheries, said: "Congratulations to His Excellency Museveni upon your successful nomination as Presidential candidate 2026-31 under the NRM ticket. Together, we can protect and consolidate our gains as a country.”

The Electoral Commission cleared three individuals for the 2026 presidential race: Museveni, Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party.
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 3:40 PM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

Mabirizi gets nomination nod

Make that three candidates!

After hitting a speed bump earlier over academic papers, Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party, too, has been cleared by the Electoral Commission to run for president in 2026.

Mabirizi is now officially a two-time presidential candidate.

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 3:30 PM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

Kasibante duly nominated for 2026

Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party arrived as a presidential aspirant and now walks out of the Electoral Commission head office in Lubowa as a first-time presidential candidate.

Kasibante becomes joins NRM's Yoweri Museveni on the presidential ballot paper. He, too, receives the key to his security vehicle from the Electoral Commission.

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 3:20 PM 

President Yoweri Museveni's campaigns will run under the theme: 'Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status'.

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 3:15 PM 

Museveni receives huge welcome at Kololo

President Yoweri Museveni, fresh from being nominated for the 2026 presidential election earlier this morning, has touched base at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.

They arrived to a sea of yellow.

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 3:15 PM 

Festivity at Kololo after Museveni gets nod

Since morning, it has been a festive atmosphere at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where NRM chairman and 2026 presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni has arrived a little while ago for a huge nomination rally.

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 2:53 PM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

Aspirant Kasibante arrives for nomination

The third presidential aspirant to arrive for nomination today is Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party. Will he be the second to be successfully nominated after President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement?

Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party was the second to arrive but was turned away to sort his academic papers.

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 2:03 PM 

'Yellowfied' Kololo bubbly

Meanwhile, while the Conservative Party races against the clock to sort out its flagbearer's academic papers for nomination, it's a jubilant mood in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) camp, whose candidate, President Yoweri Museveni, is — as it stands — the only one to have been nominated for the 2026 presidential election.

Thousands of the party's supporters have gathered at Kololo National Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala for a nomination rally riding on the party's current strategy of 'Protecting the Gains'.

President Museveni is expected to grace this huge event.

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 1:40 PM 

'Mabirizi told to verify his papers'

 By Mary Karugaba: 

2016 presidential candidate and 2026 presidential aspirant Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party has been directed by the Electoral Commission to go to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to verify his academic papers.

He can return to the Commission if he can do that before 4pm today or be given a time slot tomorrow (Wednesday), which will be the second and last day of the presidential nomination exercise.

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 1:20 PM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

Aspirant Mabirizi nomination hits snag

He is down but not out. Presidential aspirant Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party has seen his nomination hit a speed bump after the Electoral Commission found issue with his academic documents.

Through his agent, the 2016 presidential candidate is directed by EC boss Byabakama to leave and "sort out the issues". He has until 4pm today to do so, or tomorrow (Wednesday). Only then can he return for another try before the Commission.

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 1:05 PM 

Mabirizi undergoes nomination scrutiny

It is busy days for Mabrizi's representative (agent), Elisha Simba, who is seen in a back and forth engagement with the Electoral Commission team scrutinizing his aspirants documentation. Is everything alright?

The man himself, Mabirizi, appears calm in his seat. No visible signs of jitters or nervousness. He has been through this before.
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 12:45 PM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

Aspirant Mabirizi arrives for nomination

They are keeping time.

Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party, who is eyeing a second shot at Uganda's presidency, has arrived at the Electoral Commission head office for his nomination. He is accompanied by his supporters — as per the guidelines, they cannot be more than 20 (him inclusive).

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 12:20 PM 

Mabirizi eyes second shot at presidency

Former presidential candidate Elton Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party) is set to become the second aspirant to arrive at the Electoral Commission head office for nomination following the nomination of the incumbent, Yoweri Museveni of the NRM, earlier today.

Mabirizi, who contested in the 2016 presidential election, is lined up for a 1pm appearance at the Commission.

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 11:48 AM 

Kololo turns yellow ahead of NRM rally

Kololo National Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, where the NRM nomination rally is set to take place following President Yoweri Museveni's nomination to run for another term, is decked in yellow, with thousands of supporters gathered there for celebration.

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 11:48 AM 

NRM women hold overnight prayers for Museveni

 By Mathias Mazinga: 

On the eve of the opening of the presidential nominations, National Resistance Movement (NRM) women, led by national vice-chairperson (Women's League) Adrine Kobusingye, held overnight prayers to reaffirm their commitment to President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling party.

The function at Hotel La Vena, Sseguku Katale, in Wakiso district drew over 1,000 supporters from various parts of the country. The event was graced by Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among (main celebrant), her deputy Thomas Tayebwa and other dignitaries. Among asked the women of Uganda to support President Museveni, to safeguard the gains that women and all Ugandans have attained during his leadership.

On her part, Kobusingye promised to mobilise support for Museveni up to the grassroots in reciprocation of his goodwill and commitment to women’s empowerment.

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 11:23 AM 

🗨️ 'I am a former young person'

In his brief address to and interaction with the media moments after being nominated, President Museveni has described the young people, particularly the Gen Zs, as his staunch supporters.

He says he is a "former young person" who has known how to be young, to be middle-aged and now how to be old.

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 11:05 AM 

📸 NRM supporters paint city yellow

There is an air of excitement and swathes of yellow around town following the nomination of NRM presidential flagbearer and the incument, President Yoweri Museveni. The NRM party is set to hold a nomination rally at Kololo to celebrate the ruling party leader's successful nomination.

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 10:47 AM 

PLU supporters head to Kololo

Meanwhile, Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) supporters have marched to Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, where the NRM presidential nomination rally will be held today.

In the lead-up to today's nomination, the NRM and PLU announced a joint mobilisation strategy to secure a landslide victory for presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 election, pledging to deliver over 80% of the vote.

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 10:30 AM 

'Working to transform Uganda'

After being duly nominated for the 2026 presidential election, President Yoweri Museveni throws down the gauntlet with a bold message of what's to come in his potential next term at the helm.

He says theirs will be to convince the people of Uganda of what has been achieved in the past and what the NRM is doing now. He also says they will work with the middle-class and foreign investors to "transform Uganda from a lower-middle-income country to a high-middle-income country moving towards a first-world country".

Museveni's latest presidential quest is running under the slogan: 'Protecting the Gains'.

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 10:12 AM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

NRM's Museveni duly nominated

The Electoral Commission has cleared NRM flagbearer Yoweri Museveni to run for the 2026 presidential race after finding all his required documents in order, having fulfilled all the requirements as stipulated in the Presidential Elections Act.

The entire process lasted no more than 15 minutes. Next up, candidate Museveni will receive his official security vehicles, which are sitting in the parking lot.

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 10:07 AM 

Museveni's documents are being scrutinized by the Electoral Commission team.

Museveni's NRM supporters wait patiently...

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 9:59 AM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

Aspirant Museveni arrives for nomination

And right on time, the incumbent, President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is the first aspiring candidate to arrive at the Electoral Commission Head Office for nomination.

Museveni arrives in the company of his wife, Janet, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports. They are ushered to their seats for aspirant Museveni to present his documents to the Electoral Commission.

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 9:57 AM 

 BREAKING NEWS 

EC chair declares nomination exercise open

All is definitely set as Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama declares the presidential nomination exercise officially open after providing a rundown on the nomination guidelines.

Various stakeholders, including politicians and election observers, are at the venue at Lubowa.

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 9:43 AM 

Security guidelines during nomination

With the presidential nomination exercise just about to get under way today, security agencies have urged all political actors and public to take note of the following:

▪️ Access to the venue is limited to invited persons and aspirants only
▪️ Use of routes leading to the venue will be restricted in line with traffic guidelines and protocols issued
▪️ We will enforce the Electoral Commission regulation that a candidate’s convoy must have no more than two motor vehicles, each carrying no more than 10 occupants
▪️ The incumbent President, if a candidate, may use the official number of vehicles attached to the office
▪️ Processions to and from the nomination venue are prohibited
▪️ Security vehicles for presidential candidates will carry only government security personnel assigned to them
▪️ Nominees must cooperate with their security details for protection

▪️ We will not tolerate any usurpation of security duties such as traffic or crowd control
▪️ The use of rowdy groups (“Egaali”), hooliganism, intimidation of opponents and provocation of security officers are strictly prohibited
▪️ Bringing any dangerous weapons to the venue is strictly prohibited
▪️ We remind the public that election laws, public order, and criminal laws continue to be fully enforced
▪️ The rights of citizens and peace must not be disrupted by nomination activities and associated rallies
▪️ Any concerns or disputes with security officers can be addressed through established mechanisms
▪️ We call on all Ugandans to promote peace and act as ambassadors of harmony during this time

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 9:25 AM 

Mao on DP presidential race no-show

 By John Odyek: 

Democratic Party (DP) president general Norbert Mao says his decision not to contest in Uganda’s 2026 presidential elections was reached collectively by the party’s top leadership, the national executive committee.

Mao, who has twice contested for Uganda’s presidency, says he had prepared for nomination, collected the required signatures countrywide, and was ready to run. “I have been ready to run, because I have run before, so nobody can doubt my capacity."

The justice minister, in a social media post on September 21, said: "My actual words from day one were: 'Elections alone will not bring about a peaceful transition..' A transition is not just about office bearers. It is also about systemic changes in the governance structure of the State!"

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 8:50 AM 

All set for Museveni’s nomination — Todwong

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general Richard Todwong has said all is set for the nomination of their presidential candidate by the Independent Electoral Commission today (Tuesday).

According to a tentative programme shared by Todwong, President Yoweri Museveni will leave State House at 9am and is expected to arrive at the EC offices by 10am for his nomination.

As Museveni heads for the nomination, he will be accompanied by members of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), senior party secretariat officials, Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) members, as well as the nominator and seconder of the candidature.

Read details 👉🏽 HERE
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 8:35 AM 

UHRC, EC, Police heads discuss human rights

The heads of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Police have met to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The meeting, held at the UHRC headquarters in Kampala on Monday (September 22), was confirmed in a press statement from the human rights body.

It was attended by UHRC chairperson Mariam Wangadya, EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba.

Read details 👉🏽 HERE

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 8:23 AM 

EC bars UPC contenders

The Electoral Commission (EC) has ruled that Jimmy Akena, the Lira East Division MP and Uganda People's Congress (UPC) leader, is ineligible to contest for the 2026 general elections as a presidential candidate.

Justice Simon Byabakama, EC chairperson, issued a letter dated September 20, 2025, following consultations with senior UPC officials at the Electoral Commission headquarters.

The ruling comes after prolonged disputes within the UPC with senior members Akena, Denis Adim Enap, Joseph Pinytek Ochieno and Peter Walubiri Mukidi, all disputing the UPC leadership and the legitimacy of the party’s presidential flag bearers for 2026.

Read details 👉🏽 HERE
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 8:00 AM 

Everything in check?

Looks like.

Hours ahead of the start of the nomination exercise, the organisers applied the finishing touches on the collective stage to ensure everything goes as planned. It's a joint effort, this, involving various stakeholders, including security agencies.

Guess we are good to go now!

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 7:54 AM 

What next after nominations?

The day after the conclusion of the nomination exercise will see the start of the harmonization of presidential candidates' campaign programmes. This will be a three-day exercise, starting on Thursday (September 25) and ending on Saturday (September 27).

Thereafter, the presidential candidates will begin their respective campaigns: from September 29 until January 12 next year — in accordance with Section 22(1) of the Presidential Elections Act.
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 7:45 AM 

Managing traffic flow

According to the Traffic Police, the main routes are: From Kampala City Centre; Yusuf Lule Road; Mulago traffic lights; City Mortuary traffic lights; Kubbiri traffic lights; Bwaise Flyover; Northern Bypass; Busega roundabout; Kajjansi Flyover; Old Entebbe Road; Lweza Fuelex Kigo Road Junction to the venue.

Parking will be at the main venue for only the presidential aspirants and St Joseph's Church of Uganda, Lweza for other invited guests.

Traffic diversions will only be effected at the following points, if need arises:

▪️ At Kisubi, traffic will be diverted to Nakawuka Road and access Kampala city. This diversion will decongest Entebbe highway
▪️ At Kajjansi Flyover, traffic will be diverted to Munyonyo Expressway to the city centre
▪️ There will be a diversion for motorists from Kampala to proceed to Kajjansi Flyover at Lweza Fuelex Kigo junction
▪️ There will be a diversion at Kigo Rehabilitation Centre junction for candidates after nominations to Kigo Road
▪️ There will be a diversion at Kigo Furniture and motorists entering Kigo Road will be diverted to Kajjansi Express
▪️ Residents affected by the diversion will be allowed to move with stickers in and out of their residences provided by security
▪️ Traffic Police will hold traffic flow at other road junctions, access roads and regulate it according to the movements of candidates
▪️ Traffic Police will hold road users at 50 metres from these junctions
▪️ All diversions will start at 5am on the two days of the nomination (Tuesday and Wednesday) until the end of the nomination exercise
▪️ No boda boda rider will be allowed beyond all cut-off points

Police warned that "whoever contravenes the stipulated guidelines will be dealt with in accordance with the traffic laws and regulations".
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 7:40 AM 

Managing traffic flow

Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force has urged the general public and nomination exercise participants to follow traffic and security directions, exercise patience and discipline, and plan their journeys in advance.

In preparation for the nomination exercise, the Police has since issued the arrangements for traffic flow along the routes leading to and from the Electoral Commission nomination grounds at Lubowa and the vicinity.

The routing, diversions and parking arrangements are aimed at ensuring "smooth traffic flow and enhanced security", according to SP Michael Kananura, the public relations officer of the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.

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 7:34 AM 

Nomination programme

The Electoral Commission says it has designed a programme that will facilitate "swift conduct" of the nomination exercise, given that the bulk of the nomination documents (lists of supporters) have been verified in advance.

Importantly, aspiring candidates will be required to be physically present, and to submit all additional requisite documents for verification. The Commission will, after scrutiny, and satisfaction that the requirements have been fulfilled, declare the aspirant duly nominated.

The nominated candidate will briefly address the public through the media at the Media Centre set up at the nomination venue.
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 7:30 AM 

Accessing nomination venue

So who will be granted access to the nomination venue, and how will they access it?

According to EC boss Byabakama, only individuals who have been invited and accredited to participate in or observe the nomination exercise will be granted access to the nomination venue.

An aspirant will be allowed into the nomination venue accompanied by no more than 20 people (including the aspirant themselves).

By the time an aspirant arrives for their nomination either today or on day two, they will have submitted their accompanying particulars to the Electoral Commission in advance.

An aspirant will use only two vehicles for purposes of their nomination. Each vehicle should not carry more than 10 people, driver inclusive. Each of the vehicles will bear a Police sticker.

The Electoral Commission has "strongly warned" aspirants against mobilizing supporters to accompany them to and from the nomination venue, "as processions are not permitted" during the nomination exercise. But there is an exception here.

"For avoidance of doubt, the incumbent President, who is also an aspirant, shall use such facilities as are ordinarily attached to his office. This is in line with Section 28(2) of the Presidential Elections Act."

After being successfully nominated, candidates who wish to meet with their supporters to launch their manifestos are advised to organize and conduct such meetings in full compliance with traffic regulations and laws governing public assemblies.
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 7:23 AM 

What you need to be nominated

To begin with, an aspirant seeking presidential nomination must be a citizen of Uganda by birth, who is aged 18 or above and is a registered voter.

They are required to submit certified copies of educational qualifications confirming that they obtained a minimum formal education of Advanced (A) Level or its equivalent.

The aspirant's nomination must be supported by no fewer than 100 persons who are registered voters, from not less than 98 districts (which form two-thirds of all the districts/cities of Uganda).

Aspirants have been guided to carry along a proposed campaign schedule with the starting date of  September 29, 2025 "to facilitate smooth harmonization after the nomination exercise".
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 7:20 AM 

In the lead-up to the presidential nomination, Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Byabakama issued a statement providing important details on what to expect, including requirements for nomination, access to the nomination venue, and the nomination programme.

Byabakama urged aspirants, their agents and supporters to follow the guidelines to "enable the Commission conduct the exercise in an orderly, peaceful and safe manner".

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 7:05 AM 

Who will feature on the 2026 ballot?

That's the question that today (Tuesday) and tomorrow (Wednesday) will answer for us as Uganda's Electoral Commission gets set to nominate candidates for the 2026 presidential election.

Good morning everyone. Welcome to New Vision's live coverage of the two-day presidential nomination exercise, which is set to be conducted at the new Electoral Commission Head Office Grounds in Lubowa, Kigo-Lweza Road, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality in Wakiso district.

On both days, the exercise will get under way at 10am and end at 4pm. Stick with us here for updates.

You can also find more election-related stories on New Vision's elections portal HERE.


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 7:00 AM 

Ready to hit the ground running!

All eyes are on Uganda's Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama and co.