With the 2026 General Elections looming, government employees eyeing parliamentary seats have barely 12 months left to resign from their positions. According to the Electoral Commission (EC) roadmap, nomination dates for public servants aspiring to run for MP seats are set for September 16 to 17, 2025.
The law stipulates that any public servant wishing to stand for election as an MP must resign from their office at least 90 days before nomination day. For the 2026 MP elections, the resignation deadline for public servants is set for Friday, June 13, 2025.
Section 4(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, 2005, states that any public officer or person employed in a government department, agency, or local government, who wishes to stand for election as an MP, must resign at least 90 days before nomination day.
Similarly, public servants interested in standing for local government positions must resign by Saturday, August 2, 2025. Section 116(5) of the Local Governments (Amendment) Act, 2005, mandates public officers or employees of government departments, agencies, or local governments to resign at least 30 days before nomination day.
Nomination of candidates for local government positions, including Special Interest Groups (SIGs), will be conducted from September 3 to 12, 2025.
The EC launched the 2026 polls roadmap on August 2, 2023, in Kampala. According to the roadmap, nomination of candidates for Presidential Elections will take place from October 2 to October 3, 2025.
The EC requires a budget of Shs1.3b to conduct the 2026 General Elections, as part of the Shs2.4 trillion needed to implement its 2022/2023 to 2026/2027 strategic plan. The anticipated increase in the number of parliamentary and local government constituencies is expected to escalate the costs of the upcoming elections.
A total of 557 members make up the 11th Parliament, including lawmakers representing different constituencies, district woman representatives, Uganda People’s Defence Forces representatives, youth representatives, workers representatives, Persons with Disabilities representatives, those representing elderly persons, and ex-officio members.
Senior lawyer Caleb Alaka highlighted the importance of the resignation requirement, emphasizing the need for a level political playing field. He explained that public servants not resigning would have undue advantages over other competitors due to their access to resources and benefits.
Members of the public have also voiced support for these provisions, stating that they encourage fairness and healthy competition among participants.
The EC's roadmap outlines a clear schedule leading up to the 2026 polling dates for Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government elections, which will be held from January 12 to February 9, 2026.
