The Electoral Commission has confirmed that at least 14 aspirants for the post of President have already returned nomination forms ahead of the general elections in 2021.
The 14 have submitted their nomination forms, backed by signatures seconding them for verification ahead of nomination early next month for the 2021 race.
The Electoral Commission’s acting spokesperson, Mr. Paul Bukenya, said that the commission is considering only 100 signatures from at least 98 districts presented and it will not matter how many endorsements one presents for verification.
According to the Presidential Elections Act, a person qualifies to contest as a candidate if he/she is 18 years and above, his/her nomination is supported by 100 registered voters from two thirds of all districts of Uganda (98 districts) and has paid UGX20million, among others. “They are supposed to submit those signatures at least two weeks before nomination, to enable the Commission to verify them,” said Bukenya.
Among those to have returned their nomination forms include the incumbent and NRM Flagbearer, President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhabura Museveni, Kyadondo East MP, and musician Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine who is the flag bearer for the newly restructured National Unity Platform party. Charles Bbaale of the Ecological Party of Uganda, and Elizabeth Lugudde, an independent candidate are the other candidates to have submitted their forms.
Tumukunde submitted his signatures in the first week of October, while President Museveni’s nomination forms were also in the company of 5 million signatures seconding his nomination. Two-time former Makerere University Guild Speaker and Acting Guild President for close to a year Jothan Yamurebire Burobuto also did submit his signatures.
