The Electoral Commission has officially launched the 2026 Parliamentary and Local Government campaign season, marking the start of what is expected to be a spirited contest across the country.
According to Paul Bukenya, the Commission’s deputy spokesperson, 2,025 candidates have been nominated to compete for the 353 directly elected Parliamentary seats, while 640 candidates will vie for the 146 District and City Woman Representative positions.
In addition, 521 contenders have been cleared to run for District and City Chairperson roles.
“In total, 83,597 candidates are campaigning for 45,505 elective positions — from President to Sub-County Councillor,” Bukenya said in a statement released on Monday morning.
He added that the Commission expects a peaceful, fair, and well-organised campaign period leading up to the 2026 general elections, which will determine Uganda’s leadership at all administrative levels — from Parliament to district councils and municipal authorities. He stated that campaigns must strictly be conducted from 7am and conclude by 6pm.
The Commission has urged candidates, political parties, and supporters to follow electoral laws and campaign regulations, including the Electoral Commission Act and Public Order Management guidelines.
“Do not conduct campaigns on/in public roads, markets, schools or hospitals– to avoid disrupting normal business,” he said.
It further encouraged all participants to focus on issue-based campaigns, maintain respect for opponents, and observe public health and security protocols to ensure a smooth election process.
