19 people pick Presidential nomination forms

19 people have already picked nomination forms to contest for Presidency in 2021.

The Electoral Commission (EC) on Monday kicked off with the Presidential candidates' nomination process by allowing able and interested Ugandans to pick nomination forms.

According to EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, by close of business on Tuesday 19 people had picked the forms.

They include, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine  of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Charles Bbaale of Ecological Party of Uganda (EPU), Daniel Matsiko, Rugaba Christopher, Fred Mwesigye, Maj.Joseph Mwambazi, Harold Nuwasiima, Eric Kitsa, John Katumba and Joshua Isingoma Mugisa.

Others are Prof.Godwin Ssempebwa, Charles Kafeero Mutasa, Dr.Joel Ssekimpi, Elizabeth Lugudde, John Herbert Nkangabwa, Edward Niyonzima, Vicks Kingo Molodocal Ainebyona, Simon Ebetu and Bob Akileng.

The administrative secretary of NUP, Ssimbwa Kagombe, picked the forms on behalf of Bobi Wine.

"We are starting with immediate effect to look for the required signatures from our supporters' country wide," Ssimbwa said.

Bbaale after picking the nomination forms said he will base his campaign on diversity, human rights, social justice and the creation of national employment agency.

Bbaale failed to secure the nomination of the EC during the 2016 as the party Presidential candidate due to failure to meet requirements.

Bbaale's ejection from the nomination list at Namboole stadium in 2015 led to dramatic scenes that gave him mileage in popularity.

Prof.Ssempebwa said he has resolved to contest as an independent accusing EC of undermining his efforts to register and contest under his party named the Purity Transcend Party.

"They are now free to go and collect the required signatures before the nomination date," Byabakama said.

According to the Presidential Elections Act, an aspirant is supposed to be endorsed by at least 100 supporters in two thirds of all the districts before is nominated

He however warned; "in the process of looking for the signatures you must follow the health ministry guidelines on social distancing to avoid the spread of coronavirus."

The EC boss said the exercise was open ended until the nomination date. According to the 2021 election roadmap, nomination of candidates for presidential elections is scheduled between November 2-3, 2020.