The race for Uganda’s 2026 presidency continues to gain momentum, with the number of aspirants rising to 88 after 37 more candidates collected nomination forms on the second day of the process.
Among these new aspirants are five women and 32 men.
The Electoral Commission (EC) confirmed the figure, highlighting that many aspirants are young contenders eager to contest for the nation’s highest office.
“88 have so far picked forms at the close of day two,” said Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson for the Electoral Commission.
Candidates have until August 24 to pick up nomination documents, which include supporter forms, candidate information sheets, and detailed guidelines for nomination.
To qualify, each presidential aspirant must gather signatures from at least 100 registered voters in at least two-thirds of Uganda’s 98 districts, according to electoral law. Supporters must be registered voters from the districts where they sign.
The nomination forms require detailed candidate information, while the guidelines provide instructions on nomination procedures and eligibility.
In addition to the presidential race, the EC has opened nomination processes for other elective positions. Parliamentary hopefuls, including representatives of special interest groups, can now download their forms from the EC website.
Candidates for district and city chairperson positions can also access nomination documents online, while those contesting for local government councillor seats may collect theirs from EC district offices.
Notably, parliamentary nominations will now be held on October 15 and 16, a change from the original September schedule. All other nomination deadlines remain unchanged.