As Uganda gears up for the 2025/2026 General Elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has issued a fresh directive reminding all political aspirants to verify their academic qualifications early enough to avoid last-minute disqualification.
In a public statement, the EC emphasized that anyone aspiring to contest for President, Member of Parliament, City or District Chairperson, or Lord Mayor must possess a minimum of an Advanced Level (A-Level) qualification or its equivalent.
“For those who obtained the said qualifications or higher outside Uganda,” the statement reads, “they are required to have their qualifications verified by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in consultation with Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and obtain a certificate issued by NCHE to that effect.”
The Commission also addressed those who did not study A-Level, but claim to have qualifications equal to it. “They must obtain a certificate of equivalency issued by the National Council for Higher Education in that regard.”
Aspirants holding such equivalency certificates are required to submit them to the Electoral Commission headquarters or to their local District Election Administrator (DEA) at least two months before nomination.
The EC made it clear that previous certificates of equivalency will not be valid for the upcoming election. “A certificate of equivalency for previous elections is not relevant for the 2025/2026 General Elections. One is required to obtain a fresh certificate, unless such a person has since acquired a higher qualification obtained in Uganda (e.g. a Degree).”
However, not all aspirants are required to undergo this process. The EC clarified:
“Aspirants with Advanced Level Certificate obtained in Uganda,”
“Aspirants with higher qualifications (than A Level) obtained in Uganda,” and
“Aspirants with qualifications higher than Advanced Level Certificate obtained from the former University of East Africa or any of its constituent colleges need not establish their academic qualifications with the Electoral Commission in the said period.”
The EC is encouraging all prospective candidates to begin the verification process early, as failure to comply could result in disqualification from the nomination process.
