EC Begins Nomination for Local Government Councils Elections
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has today officially commenced the nomination process for candidates vying for leadership positions in the Local Government Councils (LCV) elections.
The exercise, which marks a critical phase in the roadmap to the 2026 general elections, is taking place at designated nomination centers across all districts and cities in Uganda.
Nomination Process and Venues
The nomination period, scheduled from September 3 to September 24, 2025, will be conducted on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Aspiring candidates for positions including District/City Chairpersons, Lord Mayors, and Councillors—representing both general and Special Interest Groups (SIGs)—are required to submit their nominations at gazetted district/city nomination centers. The process is structured by administrative levels:
· September 3–5, 2025: Nomination for District/City Chairpersons, Lord Mayors, and Councillors.
· September 8–10, 2025: Nomination for Municipality/City Division Chairpersons and Councillors.
· September 11–24, 2025: Nomination for Sub-County, Town Chairpersons, and Councillors .
Key Nominations and Highlights
In Kampala, the nomination process is being overseen by Mr. Hasakya Rashid, the Electoral Commission District Registrar. He emphasized the importance of adherence to guidelines and urged all aspirants to ensure they meet the legal requirements for nomination .
Among the notable figures nominated today was Hon. Beatrice Mao, the Minister of Justice and President of the Democratic Party (DP), who submitted her nomination for the position of Lord Mayor of Kampala.
In her address to the media, she outlined her agenda, focusing on urban development, sanitation, and environmental conservation in Kampala.
Another prominent aspirant, Martha Alitubera of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for Lubaga Division, was also nominated. She called upon her supporters in Lubaga to trust her vision and pledged to represent their interests at City Hall (KCCA) in the 2026 elections.
Financial Obligations and Challenges
A significant hurdle for many aspirants was the requirement to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of UGX 500,000. Reports indicate that some candidates faced difficulties in raising the amount, with many opting to pay via bank transfers or directly at the KCCA offices. However, a majority managed to fulfill this obligation today .
Independent Candidates and Party Dynamics
A large number of aspirants are running as independents, primarily due to their failure to secure official party tickets from major political groups. This trend underscores internal party disputes and the competitive nature of the upcoming elections.
Electoral Commission’s Assurance
Mr. Julius Mucunguzi, the EC Spokesperson, confirmed that the nomination process proceeded smoothly despite minor logistical challenges. Ms. Jenifer Kyobutungi, the Electoral Commission Registrar for the Kampala Region, acknowledged the high turnout and assured the public of the Commission’s commitment to a transparent and efficient electoral process .
Conclusion
Today’s nomination exercise sets the stage for the 2026 Local Government Councils elections, with campaigning and polling to follow in the coming months. The Electoral Commission reiterated its dedication to conducting free, fair, and inclusive elections, urging all stakeholders to adhere to the electoral guidelines .
