Justice Simon Byabakama has told candidates ahead of the 2026 general elections to strictly verify their academic papers before nomination and warned against deployment of youth vigilantes to “protect’ voters.
“All those persons who had their academic qualifications verified in previous elections for example in 2021 elections for purpose of 2025/26 general elections you are required to reverify your academic qualifications with the National council for higher education in consultation with UNEB.
A person shall not be regarded as fully nominated, and their nomination paper shall be deemed void, if the requirement to establish academic qualifications with the Commission specifically, proof of holding a minimum qualification of Advanced Level or its equivalent — is not fulfilled at least two months before nomination day,” Justice Byabakama explained in a detailed media briefing at the EC headquarters in Kampala.
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, together with members of the Commission were addressing a press conference about the ongoing elections of Committees for persons with disabilities, older persons and youth, under the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) category to update the country on progress made, emerging issues and guide candidates, voters and stakeholders for both SIGs and the General Elections Roadmap, on the way forward.
“The Electoral Commission wishes to once again, inform and guide all persons aspiring to contest for the respective elective offices of the President, Member of Parliament, and District Chairpersons that they are required to prove resignation from public office, if any, and completion of a minimum formal education of Advanced Level standard or its equivalent, among other nomination requirements.
“Aspiring candidates in possession of an Advanced Level Certificate of Education obtained in Uganda or qualifications higher than the prescribed qualification obtained in Uganda or obtained from the former University of East Africa or any of its constituent colleges, then, shall not be required to verify their qualification with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE),” Byabakama said
Justice Byabakama said that candidates are required to establish their qualifications by producing a certificate issued to him or her by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in consultation with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
“The Electoral Commission shall not accept a Statutory Declaration or Affidavit as evidence of an academic qualification. For avoidance of doubt, establishing any person’s qualifications shall not be done by the respective Electoral District Returning Officers on nomination day,” he stressed.
Aspiring candidates shall be required to present their letters of clearance for nominations issued by the Electoral Commission upon establishing their qualification(s). The Commission will furnish the respective Electoral District Returning Officers with the list of aspiring candidates in that District who have established their academic qualifications with the Electoral Commission.
A person shall not be regarded as duly nominated and the nomination paper of any person shall be regarded as void if the requirement for establishment of qualifications with the Commission as persons holding a minimum qualification of advanced level or its equivalent is not complied with, that is to say, two months before nomination day,” he added.
The Electoral Commission has noted that some candidates have indicated plans to form groups, for example, youth brigades, to provide security for their supporters during the ongoing campaigns and to guard their interests (votes and results) at the village polling stations on polling day.
These individuals have justified their intentions by alleging that the legally mandated state security organs (Police) are either partial or unprepared to secure the electoral environment during the Village Youth Committee Elections. The Electoral Commission would like to dismiss such claims as unfounded and irresponsible acts, which may create un-necessary anxiety and/or confusion among the voters and the people of Uganda, generally.
The Commission wishes to reiterate that it is only the Uganda Police, which is in charge of providing security during the electoral process, including Special Interest Groups elections. Political parties and organizations, and independent candidates, are urged to desist from forming any parallel groups such as youth brigades and militias, as this is against electoral laws, and it is outside the constitutional means of achieving peaceful and credible elections.
It’s from this back ground that Justice Simon Byabakama warn other security agencies from interfering with election process saying that the law will deal with individuals other than institutions.