Uganda: EC Issues Strict Academic Guidelines for 2025/2026 Election Aspirants

The Electoral Commission has announced new guidelines for aspirants in the 2025/2026 General Elections, placing renewed emphasis on academic qualification requirements for all candidates seeking elective office.

In a statement released on Wednesday, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said all aspirants for positions such as President, Member of Parliament, District and City Chairperson, and Lord Mayor are “required, by law, to have a minimum qualification of Advanced Level (A Level) standard or its equivalent.”

The Commission outlined that individuals who obtained A-Level or higher qualifications from outside Uganda must have them verified by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in consultation with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).

“They are required to have their qualifications verified by NCHE and obtain a certificate to that effect,” Byabakama stated.

Those who do not hold a traditional A-Level qualification but possess other academic credentials must present proof of equivalency.

“They must obtain a certificate of equivalency issued by the National Council for Higher Education,” he said.

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