As the race towards the 2026 general elections intensifies, Uganda election nomination fees have become a major topic of debate. Aspirants from various parties are now paying millions of shillings to secure party endorsements, a move that reflects the increasing cost of participating in Uganda’s political landscape.
Uganda Election Nomination Fees Drive Party Financing
The surge in Uganda election nomination fees is partly attributed to the financial demands faced by political parties. According to party officials, the funds help cover operational costs, party primaries, campaign expenses, and logistics.
Additionally, high fees serve as a filter, eliminating unserious candidates and ensuring that only committed individuals pursue party flags.
NRM Leads with the Highest Nomination Fees
The National Resistance Movement (NRM), Uganda’s ruling party, has set the highest fees for 2026. Presidential hopefuls are required to pay Shs20 million, up from Shs10 million in the previous election. Meanwhile, parliamentary aspirants must part with Shs3 million, a rise from Shs2 million.
Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, confirmed that this fee increment aims to fund internal primaries and support candidates’ campaigns during the national elections. Emmanuel Ddombo, NRM’s Director for Information and Publicity, further explained that the rise mirrors Uganda’s current economic status, claiming the fees are fair given the country’s growth towards middle-income status.
Comparison of Uganda Election Nomination Fees Across Parties
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has matched NRM’s presidential flag bearer fee at Shs20 million. UPC spokesperson Faisal Muzeyi said this reflects the gravity of running for the nation’s top office and ensures only serious candidates apply.
On the other hand, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) charges Shs5 million for presidential aspirants and a relatively lower Shs100,000 for MPs. FDC Electoral Commission Secretary Augustine Ojobile noted that while the party funds national nomination fees for top positions like MPs and District Chairpersons, candidates for other posts pay upfront and are refunded upon presenting their national nomination receipts.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has set presidential nomination fees at Shs2.5 million, with MPs paying Shs500,000.
For the Democratic Party (DP), candidates pay Shs200,000 for both presidential and parliamentary flags. DP spokesperson Okoler Opio explained that these funds are directed toward covering Electoral Commission (EC) nominations and providing candidates with campaign materials, including 5,000 posters each.
At the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), the presidential nomination fee stands at Shs1 million, with MPs paying Shs100,000. ANT National Coordinator Alice Alaso confirmed that the party does not conduct primaries but uses a harmonization process to decide on candidates.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) remains the most accessible party, charging no nomination fees for any position. This is aimed at removing financial barriers for potential candidates.
Detailed Uganda Election Nomination Fees Table 2026
| Party | Presidential | MP |
|---|---|---|
| NRM | 20,000,000 | 3,000,000 |
| UPC | 20,000,000 | 1,000,000 |
| FDC | 5,000,000 | 100,000 |
| PFF | 2,500,000 | 500,000 |
| DP | 200,000 | 200,000 |
| ANT | 1,000,000 | 100,000 |
| JEEMA | 1,000,000 | 100,000 |
| NUP | Free | Free |
