The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced an extension of the deadline for submitting expressions of interest for individuals seeking to run for political office under the party’s banner ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The decision, communicated by the Election Management Committee (EMC) on Tuesday, follows an overwhelming response from thousands of Ugandans expressing interest in contesting for various positions on the NUP ticket.
The original deadline, set for Monday, June 23rd, has now been pushed to Friday, July 25th, 2025.
In a statement signed by EMC Chairperson Harriet Chemutai , the committee acknowledged the enthusiasm of citizens eager to participate in the country’s democratic process and cited logistical delays particularly in the verification of academic documents as one of the key reasons behind the extension.
“While the numbers have been overwhelming, we have received requests from many people who could not beat the deadline for various reasons, including the long periods required to verify academic documents,” Chemutai stated.
The extended window will continue to operate at all designated submission points previously communicated by the party, with daily operating hours set from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and public holidays).
NUP also issued guidelines for those submitting their documents at the party headquarters, asking aspirants to limit their entourage to no more than 10 supporters, in consideration of ongoing internal activities at the premises.
The extension is likely to offer a much-needed reprieve to late entrants and those facing administrative hurdles, while also reflecting NUP’s efforts to remain accessible to grassroots leaders and first-time political hopefuls.
The exercise, a crucial first step in NUP’s candidate selection process, is part of a broader strategy to consolidate the party’s presence nationwide and maintain its strong momentum heading into the 2026 polls.
The party’s Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya spoken out, condemning continued acts of intimidation and harassment by state security operatives during the exercise.
Rubongoya acknowledged the enthusiasm of Ugandans eager to contest under the NUP banner, but noted that the process has not been without serious challenges.
“We have received thousands of applications from all corners of the country a clear demonstration that Ugandans are ready to participate in shaping their future,” Rubongoya said.
He, however, expressed deep concern over what he called “systematic interference” from regime actors, alleging that NUP candidates and supporters were repeatedly targeted during the three-week exercise.
“This process has taken place under an extremely tense environment. Our candidates and supporters have been manhandled by regime security operatives, and this was witnessed openly, even at our party headquarters,” he stated.
