By KT Reporter
Former presidential candidate John Katumba has missed nomination for the 2026 race after failing to secure the required endorsements from at least 98 districts.
Available records from the Electoral Commission (EC) show that Katumba, popularly known as Katumba oyee, submitted signatures from 110 districts. However, upon verification, it was revealed that only 97 districts met the minimum of 100 registered voters each.
“…only 97 districts had the required number (100 voters), and the balance of one district is required to meet the minimum number of 98 districts fell short as per the attached details of the verification results,” the letter addressed to Katumba dated Sept 22, reads in part.
According to the detailed report, in Kaabong District, the presidential aspirant secured only 94 valid signatures, leaving Katumba six signatures below the legal threshold.
Katumba told Uganda Radio Network that after receiving the EC’s initial report, his team submitted over 180 additional signatures from Kaabong to cover the shortfall. He said the EC still informed him he remained six signatures short, a result he found hard to believe.
He said the process seemed designed to block him and criticised the EC’s verification system as opaque, noting that they were not shown how checks were done or why, out of more than 180 additional signatures they submitted were not accepted.
He added that Uganda, especially its youth, has been denied the chance to back a candidate who understands their daily struggles and proposes concrete solutions. Katumba said he had prepared to build his campaign on issues such as unemployment, rising living costs, and limited opportunities for young people.
Katumba further argued that his exclusion removes a voice focused on jobs, affordable education, and fair access to economic resources, leaving many young voters without representation that reflects their concerns.
At 24, Katumba became Uganda’s youngest presidential candidate in 2021, benefiting from the removal of the presidential age limits that had barred candidates younger than 35 or older than 75.
In that election, he received 37,554 votes, representing 0.36 percent of the total, finishing ninth among eleven candidates. Yoweri Museveni won with 58.38 percent of the vote.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission concluded the two-day presidential nomination exercise on September 23 and 24, 2025, at its Lweza–Lubowa grounds in Wakiso District. Eight candidates, all representing political parties, were cleared. None is running as an independent.
Those nominated are President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM), Kasibante Robert (NPP), Mabirizi Joseph (CP), Nandala Mafabi James Nathan (FDC), Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera (ANT), Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu (NUP), Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga (CMP), and Bulira Frank Kabinga (RPP).
The official campaign period will start on September 29, 2025, after the Commission finalises the harmonised campaign schedules.
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