NUP extends nomination deadline to July 25 after public outcry
Kyotera District Woman MP, Fortunate Nantongo (in red), signs documents after expressing interest to recontest for the same seat on the NUP ticket. NUP Election Management Committee Chairperson, Harriet Chemutai (right), hands over documents to Mr Allan Ssempala (left), a human rights defender, who also expressed interest to contest for Busiro East MP, a seat currently held by Medard Lubega Sseggona. PHOTO/MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
What you need to know:
- With only six months left to the 2026 general elections, political parties, civil society organisations, and independent actors are racing to complete their preparations.
The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has extended its deadline for submitting expressions of interest for elective positions by one month, following widespread public outcry from aspirants who missed the initial June 23, 2025 cutoff.
Announcing the extension on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Ms Harriet Chemutai, the Chairperson of the NUP Election Management Committee (EMC), said the new deadline is July 25, 2025. The decision was made after receiving numerous complaints from aspirants across the country who faced documentation delays and other challenges.
“While the turnout was overwhelming, we have received requests from several people who could not meet the deadlines. Among the reasons are the long period required to verify the academic documents by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). We could not afford to lose potential candidates because of these technicalities,” Ms Chemutai said during a press briefing at the party headquarters in Kavule.
She added, “The process will continue as usual at the party headquarters, via online platforms, and through our sub-regional offices. During this time, we will also hold harmonisation meetings with aspirants contesting for the same positions to reduce possible conflicts.”
According to Ms Chemutai, over 40,000 people have already picked expression of interest forms since the process opened on June 1, 2025. Every constituency and district reportedly has more than two people vying for the same positions—from Local Council leadership to Members of Parliament.
John Mary Ssebuwufu, the EMC Commissioner for the Buganda region, decried the high cost of academic document verification as a major barrier to participation.
“As aspiring leaders, we must be ready to meet the requirements, including certification costs. But the process is still a burden to many. It’s a vital step in preparing our candidates for the 2026 general elections,” he said.
NUP Treasurer Benjamin Katana emphasized the party’s inclusive approach, reiterating that the party does not charge nomination fees.
“Ours is a people-centered party. We don’t want to lock out those with the passion and capability to serve but who may lack money. Our goal is to grow leadership from the grassroots,” Mr Katana explained.
He added that the party is in the final stages of deciding whether campaign financing will be individual or supported by the party.
With only six months left to the 2026 general elections, political parties, civil society organisations, and independent actors are racing to complete their preparations.
