By KT Reporter
Hundreds of aspiring candidates for Kampala District local government positions have expressed frustration over delays, unclear payment processes, and sudden changes to nomination guidelines at the Electoral Commission (EC) offices in Ntinda.
The nominations, which started on Wednesday and end on Friday, attracted aspirants for various positions, including City Hall councillors, the Kampala Lord Mayor, representatives of special interest groups, and youth councillors. However, heavy police and military deployment turned away supporters who had accompanied candidates. Some journalists were also denied entry due to lack of accreditation, causing further unease.
Several candidates complained about being directed to pay nomination fees into different bank accounts after initially receiving contrary instructions. Julius Katongole, an NUP councillor in Rubaga South, said he was forced to pay twice. “Initially, we were told to pay into Diamond Trust Bank, and most of us did. But when we arrived here, we were informed that we had to pay into KCCA instead. I had to go back and pay again, which wasn’t fair. Most of us are struggling financially, and paying 50,000 shillings twice is unfair,” Katongole lamented. He also criticized the slow pace of the process.
Other aspirants raised concern over last-minute changes to nomination requirements. Okwera Moses, FDC chairman for Nakawa East, said this has left many candidates disadvantaged. “I came to inquire about the necessary documents for aspiring candidates to be nominated, so I could assist my constituents in Nakawa East. However, some guidelines have changed, particularly for agents nominating candidates. You’re now required to produce photocopies of national ID cards, the candidate’s application form, and documents from two people seconding the candidate. These requirements weren’t in the earlier guidelines,” Okwera said.
Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi acknowledged the payment confusion but said it had been resolved. He added that updated information on banks, accounts, and nomination fees was available on the EC website.
On security restrictions, Mucunguzi stressed that candidates had been advised to follow guidelines strictly. “We informed them to come with only two people, seconding them and their official agents. However, you’ve seen people arrive with processions, and we’ve had to turn them away. We don’t want processions that cause public disorder on city roads. They need to follow traffic guidelines,” Mucunguzi said.
According to EC guidelines, nominations for the second category—Municipality or City Division Mayors/Chairpersons and Councillors—will run from September 8–10, 2025, at the respective District Returning Offices. The third category, covering Sub-County, Town, and Municipal Division Chairpersons, will follow from September 11–24, 2025, at Sub-County headquarters.
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