Requirements For President Candidacy In Uganda
To become the presidential nominee, a candidate typically has to win a majority of delegates. This usually happens through the party’s state primaries and caucuses. State delegates go to the national convention to vote to confirm their choice of candidates. Chapter 142 of the Presidential Elections Act of 2000 stipulates that presidential candidates must be a citizen of Uganda by birth and be qualified to be an MP. Candidates are also required to be of sound mind and have no formal connection with the Electoral Commission of Uganda.
The president is elected for a five-year term. The Parliament is composed of members directly elected to represent constituencies, and one woman representative for every district; as well representatives of special interest groups, including the army, youth, workers and persons with disabilities. The Electoral Commission of Uganda, also Uganda Electoral Commission, is a constitutionally established organ of the Government of Uganda, whose mandate is to “organise and conduct regular, free and fair elections” in the country, in an efficient, professional and impartial manner.
The Constitution lists only three qualifications for the Presidency the President must be at least 45 years of age, be a natural born citizen, and must have lived in Uganda for at least 14 years. Under the Constitution of Uganda, the president is the executive head of state. The president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term. In the event of a vacancy, the vice president serves as acting president.
Requirements For President Candidacy In Uganda
| Category of Candidates | Age | Formal Education | Number of Supporters | Nomination Fee In (UGX) | Time of Resignation of Public Officers | Nomination Date | Nomination Venue |
| Presidential | 18 years and above | ‘A’ Level or its equivalent | 100 voters from two thirds (2/3) of all the districts of Uganda | 20,000,000 | Before nomination day | 2nd – 3rd November | Kololo Independence Ground |
| Member of Parliament | 18 years and above | ‘A’ Level or its equivalent | 10 registered voters in the constituency | 3,000,000 | At least 90 days before nomination day | 12th – 13rd October | Respective District Headquarters |
| District/City Chairperson | 18 years and above | ‘A’ Level or its equivalent | 50 registered voters from each of at least 2/3 of electoral areas: S/County/Division | 200,000 | At least 30 days before nomination day | 21st Sept – 1st October | Respective District Headquarters |
| Municipality Chairperson | Not less than 35 years and not more than 75 yrs | No academic qualification required | 20 registered voters from each electoral area | 100,000 | At least 30 days before nomination day | 21st Sept – 1st October | Respective District Headquarters |
| City Division Chairperson | Not less than 35 years and not more than 75 yrs | No academic qualification required | 20 registered voters from each electoral area | 50,000 | At least 30 days before nomination day | 21st Sept – 1st October | Respective District Headquarters |
| Sub County, Town/ Mun. Div. Chairperson | Not less than 35 years and not more than 75 years | No academic qualification required | 20 registered voters from each electoral area | 50,000 | At least 30 days before nomination day | 21st Sept – 1st October | Respective District Headquarters |
| District/City Division Councillors | 18 years and above | No academic qualification required | 5 registered voters from each electoral area | 50,000 | At least 30 days before nomination day | 21st Sept – 1st October | Respective District Headquarters |
| Municipality Councillors | 18 years and above | No academic qualification required | 5 registered voters from each electoral area | 50,000 | At least 30 days before nomination day | 21st Sept – 1st October | Respective District Headquarters |
| Municipal Division Councillors | 18 years and above | No academic qualification required | 5 registered voters from each electoral area | 20,000 | At least 30 days before nomination day | 21st Sept – 1st October | Respective County Headquarters |
| Sub County Councillors | 18 years and above | No academic qualification required | 5 registered voters from each electoral area | 20,000 | At least 30 days before nomination day | 21st Sept – 1st October | Respective County Headquarters |