KAMPALA, Uganda — The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has officially announced that a total of 83,597 candidates have been nominated to contest for various elective positions in Uganda’s ongoing general election — from the presidency down to sub-county councillors — marking one of the most competitive polls in the country’s political history.
2,025 contest for 353 Constituencies
According to figures released by the IEC, 2,025 candidates are in the race for 353 constituencies across the country to become Directly Elected Members of Parliament. The contest has drawn candidates from all major political parties, including the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the National Unity Platform (NUP), the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and Peasant Revolutionary Party (PRP), as well as a significant number of independents.
640 Candidates eye 146 Woman MP Seats
For the District and City Woman Representative positions, 640 candidates have been duly nominated to vie for the 146 available seats. These races have drawn particular attention due to the growing participation of young women and first-time candidates, reflecting a rising gender-inclusive trend in Ugandan politics.
521 Candidates Compete for District and City Chairperson Posts
At the local government level, 521 candidates are battling for 146 City and District Chairperson positions.
This level of competition is expected to shape the governance landscape at the grassroots, especially in newly created districts and cities where local leadership remains a powerful political force.
Nationwide Electoral Engagement at Record Levels
The sheer number of contestants — 83,597 candidates for 45,505 elective positions — underscores a high level of political engagement across Uganda. Analysts suggest that this surge could be a reflection of increased political awareness, decentralization, and the growing role of youth and women in governance.
“These numbers demonstrate the vibrancy of Uganda’s multiparty democracy and the enthusiasm of our citizens to participate in determining their leadership,” an IEC spokesperson said.
The Bigger Picture
With tens of thousands of candidates campaigning across the country, Uganda’s general election has set the stage for one of the most dynamic and unpredictable political seasons in recent memory. The involvement of familiar political figures alongside an unprecedented number of first-time contestants points to a democracy that, while tested, remains alive and evolving.
