Kampala, Uganda – The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially extended the deadline for submission of expressions of interest from Ugandans seeking to contest for various elective positions under the party’s banner ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The announcement, made through a formal communication signed by Chemutai Harriet, Chairperson of the Election Management Committee (EMC), cites an overwhelming number of applicants and logistical delays, particularly in verifying academic documents, as the primary reasons for the extension.
Initially set to close earlier this week, the new deadline will now be Friday, 25th July 2025. The submission window runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, on working days, and applies to all NUP offices nationwide.
“We appreciate the thousands of Ugandans who have expressed interest in running for various positions under the National Unity Platform,” reads the statement.
“While the numbers have been overwhelming, we have received requests from many who could not beat the deadline for various reasons, including the long periods required to verify academic documents.”
To manage crowds at the Party Headquarters in Kavule, Makerere, the EMC has issued a directive requesting aspirants not to come with more than 10 supporters when submitting their documents. This is aimed at ensuring order, as other party activities will be ongoing simultaneously.
This new guidance reflects the increasingly organized approach the party is taking as it heads into what is expected to be its most competitive electoral season yet.
NUP, Uganda’s main opposition party, has been flooded with aspirants, particularly from youth and first-time political contenders. The high turnout is seen as a reflection of growing public interest in alternative leadership and frustration with the ruling establishment.
“This shows that Ugandans are ready to take charge of their destiny. People believe in the NUP brand, and they see it as a platform for real transformation.”
The surge of applicants has been particularly intense in urban areas like Kampala, Mukono, Jinja, Wakiso, and even in regions previously dominated by the ruling NRM.
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