UgandaToday: Uganda’s IEC Tribunal Hears Dr. Ssemugenyi’s Plea After Rejected 2026 Presidential Bid
By Uganda Today Reporter
Kampala, Uganda | November 6, 2025 — The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Wednesday granted audience to Dr. Dennis Daniel Ssemugenyi, one of the aspirants whose nomination for the 2026 presidential elections was earlier rejected. The meeting, held at the Commission’s offices in Kampala, was aimed at allowing Dr. Ssemugenyi to present his grievances following what he termed as an “unjustified and biased” disqualification.
“I fulfilled all the requirements as stipulated in the Presidential Elections Act. I submitted the voter endorsement lists, my academic credentials, and nomination fees. Yet, my application was arbitrarily rejected,” Dr. Ssemugenyi said, adding that many other aspirants faced a similar fate.
During the session, Ssemugenyi demanded that the IEC discloses the specific criteria used to validate the voter recommendation lists of the eight candidates who were successfully nominated, as compared to the standards applied to his submissions.
“We want transparency. What yardstick was used to clear the eight candidates? And which particular test did my voter support recommendations fail?” he questioned.
IEC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi confirmed on Thursday that the Commission would issue its verdict in writing, noting that the tribunal had taken Dr. Ssemugenyi’s petition under consideration.
“The Commission has listened to Dr. Ssemugenyi’s appeal and his issues are being reviewed. A formal communication will be made in writing soon,” Mucunguzi told reporters, emphasizing that the IEC is currently in the process of printing presidential ballot papers ahead of the January 2026 polls.
When asked how he plans to catch up with the campaign trail should his candidature be belatedly accepted, Dr. Ssemugenyi responded with confidence and optimism:
“We are ready, and we know how we shall traverse the whole country,” he said, hinting at a well-prepared strategy that could see his campaign kick off immediately upon clearance.
The IEC has so far confirmed eight duly nominated presidential candidates for the 2026 general elections. However, the discontent among rejected aspirants, including Ssemugenyi, has triggered renewed debate over transparency and fairness in Uganda’s electoral process.
Observers say the Commission’s verdict on Ssemugenyi’s case will be a critical test of its impartiality, especially as it navigates increasing public scrutiny over the handling of nominations and voter verification.
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