Campaigning officially kicks off today for more than 2,700 candidates vying for parliamentary seats across Uganda.
The contest covers 519 seats: 353 constituency seats, 146 District Woman MP seats, and 20 seats reserved for Special Interest Groups (youth, persons with disabilities, workers and older persons). Of the 2,711 candidates nominated by the Electoral Commission (EC) for the 12th Parliament, 2,703 will actively campaign, while eight were cleared to join the race unopposed.
Among those already elected unopposed are prominent figures representing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), including Ofwono Opondo (Eastern Region‑Elderly), Anita Among (Bukedea Woman), Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North), Lillian Paparu Obiale (Arua Woman), Ruth Rujoki Mushabe (Kiruhura Woman), Moses Magogo (Budiope East), Jeniva Arinaitwe (Rubirizi Woman), and Emmanuel Banya (Koboko County).
The EC emphasises the importance of peaceful, lawful campaigning. Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi urged all candidates, agents and supporters to adhere strictly to guidelines restricting bribery, abusive language and misinformation on social media. “Conduct yourselves peacefully, follow electoral laws, avoid bribery, vulgar language, and malicious content that divides communities,” Mr Mucunguzi said.
In terms of party‑versus‑independent candidate numbers: 18 political parties have together fielded 1,428 candidates, while 1,283 independents are contesting the 519 seats. For example, the NRM alone has nominated 514 candidates, the National Unity Platform (NUP) 297, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) 214, and the Democratic Party (DP) 94, with the remainder spread among smaller parties.
The campaign period follows on from a recent presidential campaign and will close on 13 January 2026 just two days before polling day, which is set for 15 January 2026.
As the country embarks on this key phase of electioneering, all eyes will be on how campaigning is conducted whether it remains peaceful and compliant with rules, how well independent candidates compete alongside party‑affiliated ones, and whether the EC’s call for order will be heeded across Uganda’s diverse constituencies.