By Diana kintu.
The Electoral Commission has issued important guidelines for all political aspirants preparing to contest in the upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections. The Commission reminds candidates that by law, anyone running for President, Member of Parliament, or District/City Chairperson positions must have at least an Advanced Level (A Level) qualification or its equivalent.
For aspirants who obtained their A-Level or higher qualifications outside Uganda, they must first have these documents verified by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in consultation with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). These candidates will need to obtain a special certificate from NCHE confirming their qualifications meet Uganda’s standards.
Those without traditional A-Level certificates but with other qualifications they believe are equivalent must also get an official Certificate of Equivalency from NCHE. All such certificates must be submitted to the Electoral Commission Headquarters or the relevant District Election Administrator at least two months before nomination dates.
The Commission has made it clear that certificates of equivalency from previous elections will not be accepted for the 2025/2026 polls. Aspirants must obtain fresh certification, unless they have since earned higher qualifications within Uganda (like university degrees).
However, some candidates are exempt from this verification process. These include:
- Those who completed their A Levels in Uganda
- Individuals with higher qualifications (than A Level) obtained from Ugandan institutions
- Candidates with qualifications above A Level from the former University of East Africa or its constituent colleges
These exempted groups do not need to submit their academic documents during the specified two-month period before nominations.