Uganda’s Electoral Commission has officially launched campaigns for the 2026 Parliamentary and Local Government elections, marking a major step toward the country’s general polls scheduled for early next year.
According to Paul Bukenya, the deputy spokesperson for the Electoral Commission, a total of 2,025 candidates were nominated to contest for the 353 constituencies for Directly Elected Members of Parliament, while 640 candidates will vie for the 146 District and City Woman Representative seats.
In addition, 521 candidates were cleared to contest for the 146 District and City Chairperson positions.
“In total, 83,597 candidates are campaigning for 45,505 elective positions, from President to Sub-County Councillor,” Bukenya said in a statement issued on Monday morning. He added that the Commission hopes for a peaceful and orderly campaign season.
The campaigns are expected to run for several weeks, leading up to nationwide elections that will determine Uganda’s next leadership at all administrative levels, including Parliament, district councils, and municipal authorities.
The Electoral Commission has urged candidates, political parties, and their supporters to observe the Electoral Commission Act and the Public Order Management guidelines, emphasizing the need for issue-based campaigns and respect for public health and security protocols.
Uganda’s 2026 general elections are widely viewed as a critical test for the country’s democratic processes, coming at a time of heightened political activity and renewed public discussion on governance, service delivery, and youth participation in politics.
