The development marks the start of a countrywide political contest involving tens of thousands of candidates from various parties and independents.
According to data released by the EC, a total of 2,025 candidates have been cleared to contest for the 353 Directly-Elected Parliamentary seats, while another 640 candidates are competing for the 146 District and City Woman Representative positions.
At the local government level, competition remains fierce with 521 aspirants battling for 146 City and District Chairperson seats.
According to data released by the EC, a total of 2,025 candidates have been cleared to contest for the 353 Directly-Elected Parliamentary seats, while another 640 candidates are competing for the 146 District and City Woman Representative positions.
At the local government level, competition remains fierce with 521 aspirants battling for 146 City and District Chairperson seats.
The EC also confirmed that across all levels of governance — from President down to Sub-County Councillor — Uganda now has an estimated 83,597 candidates actively campaigning for 45,505 elective positions.
This makes the 2026 election cycle one of the most expansive and highly contested in Uganda’s political history.
Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony, EC Deputy Spokesperson Paul Bukenya announced that campaigns would follow a harmonized schedule running daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This makes the 2026 election cycle one of the most expansive and highly contested in Uganda’s political history.
Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony, EC Deputy Spokesperson Paul Bukenya announced that campaigns would follow a harmonized schedule running daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
He emphasized that all candidates were expected to operate strictly within their designated campaign areas and timelines as provided by the Commission.
Bukenya added that candidates and their agents were required to coordinate closely with local security agencies to ensure peace and order throughout the campaign period.
Bukenya added that candidates and their agents were required to coordinate closely with local security agencies to ensure peace and order throughout the campaign period.
“We encourage all actors to work hand in hand with the police and other security bodies to prevent violence, intimidation, or any crime-related incidents that could disrupt the democratic process,” he said.
The EC also reminded candidates to uphold ethical conduct during the campaign season. Bukenya cautioned aspirants against the use of abusive or inflammatory language, urging them to focus instead on policies and community needs.
“Elections are a competition of ideas, not insults,” he noted.
The EC also reminded candidates to uphold ethical conduct during the campaign season. Bukenya cautioned aspirants against the use of abusive or inflammatory language, urging them to focus instead on policies and community needs.
“Elections are a competition of ideas, not insults,” he noted.
“We expect candidates to demonstrate maturity, respect, and patriotism. The Electoral Commission will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against any individual who violates campaign guidelines.”
Political analysts say this election period is likely to be one of the most spirited in years, given the growing influence of youth voters, the rise of social media mobilization, and the shifting alliances among established political figures.
Political analysts say this election period is likely to be one of the most spirited in years, given the growing influence of youth voters, the rise of social media mobilization, and the shifting alliances among established political figures.
With more than 80,000 candidates in the field, observers expect intense ground activity, from door-to-door mobilization to radio debates and large-scale rallies.
Already, posters, motorcades, and rallies are springing up across the country as candidates seek to capture the attention of voters.
Already, posters, motorcades, and rallies are springing up across the country as candidates seek to capture the attention of voters.
In major towns such as Kampala, Gulu, Mbarara, and Jinja, political colors have filled the streets, symbolizing the diversity of Uganda’s political landscape.
The EC’s announcement officially sets the tone for what many are calling a “make-or-break” election cycle.
The EC’s announcement officially sets the tone for what many are calling a “make-or-break” election cycle.
The race for Parliament and local councils will not only determine future leaders but also signal the overall mood of the electorate ahead of the January 15, 2026 presidential vote.
While the Commission maintains that it is fully prepared to conduct a free and fair election, it continues to appeal to political parties, supporters, and security agencies to act responsibly.
While the Commission maintains that it is fully prepared to conduct a free and fair election, it continues to appeal to political parties, supporters, and security agencies to act responsibly.
“Our collective goal is to ensure that Ugandans exercise their right to choose leaders in a peaceful and transparent environment,” Bukenya emphasized.
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