The Electoral Commission has issued new guidance on academic requirements for candidates contesting in the 2025/26 General Elections, aiming to address widespread confusion about the verification of qualifications.
According to Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, candidates who obtained their Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (A-Level) within the country do not need to verify their academic documents with the National Council for Higher Education.
The Commission has noted a growing number of candidates submitting A-Level certificates for verification unnecessarily, resulting in delays and procedural confusion.
This clarification is intended to streamline the nomination process.
Only candidates who attained their A-Level or higher qualifications from institutions outside Uganda are required to present a certificate of equivalence from the National Council for Higher Education.
Candidates who obtained a certificate of equivalence for the 2021 General Elections must apply for a new one for the upcoming 2025/26 elections, as the previous certificate is no longer considered valid.
The Commission has also clarified that individuals who earned qualifications from the University of East Africa or its constituent colleges in the 1950s and 1960s are not required to verify their academic documents.
All candidates who do need verification must submit their certificates of equivalence to the Electoral Commission at least two months before the nomination dates.
This directive is expected to ease the nomination process and help candidates better prepare for compliance with the legal requirements.
By Alex Magala
18th July 2025
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