The Electoral Commission wishes to draw the attention of all those who wish to stand/contest for election as President, Member of Parliament, Chairpersons of districts/cities/Lord Mayor, that they are required, by law, to have a minimum qualification of Advanced Level (A Level) standard or its equivalent.
For those who obtained the said qualifications or higher outside Uganda, they are required to have their qualifications verified by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in consultation with Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and obtain a certificate issued by NCHE to that effect.
Those who did not obtain A Level standard education in or outside Uganda, but have other qualifications, which they claim to be equivalent to A level standard of Uganda, they must obtain a certificate of equivalency issued by the National Council for Higher Education in that regard.
Aspirants who have obtained the certificate of equivalency from NCHE are required to establish the requisite academic qualifications by submitting the said NCHE certificate to the Electoral Commission Headquarters or the District Election Administrator (DEA) in the district where the person wishes to contest, at least two months before nominations.
Please note, a certificate of equivalency for previous elections is not relevant for the 2025/2026 General Elections. One is required to obtain a fresh certificate, unless such a person has since acquired a higher qualification obtained in Uganda (e.g. a Degree).
For emphasis, the following persons are NOT required to establish or verify their academic qualifications with National Council for Higher Education:
a) Aspirants with Advanced Level Certificate obtained in Uganda.
b) Aspirants with higher qualifications (than A Level) obtained in Uganda.
c) Aspirants with qualifications higher than Advanced Level Certificate obtained from the former University of East Africa or any of its constituent colleges.
Furthermore, the above mentioned three categories of persons need not establish their academic qualifications with the Electoral Commission in the said period (i.e. at least two months before nominations).
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon
CHAIRPERSON, ELECTORAL COMMISSION
