The Democratic Party (DP) has issued a strong advisory to aspiring candidates, warning them against unnecessary expenses and procedural missteps as the party continues its nomination process for parliamentary and local government seats.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing at the party headquarters on Balintuma Road on July 15, 2025, DP Electoral Commission chairperson Kennedy Mutenyo urged members to follow clear legal and party guidelines to avoid delays and financial losses.
Mutenyo specifically cautioned aspirants against rushing to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) for academic equivalency certification when not required. He explained that individuals who already possess a Senior Six (S6) certificate obtained in Uganda do not need to pay the Sh300,000 charged by the council.
“This has been confirmed in writing by the NCHE,” Mutenyo said. “If you have a genuine S6 certificate, especially from Uganda, you do not need to go to them. Unfortunately, many Ugandans have lost money due to misinformation.”
The party emphasized that eligibility requirements include being a registered voter, a Ugandan citizen over the age of 18, and having a completed nomination form accompanied by certified photocopies of academic documents, national ID, voter’s card, and DP party card.
Candidates are also expected to present a reference letter from their local party branch, signed by the constituency or sub-branch chairman, confirming their membership and intention to contest.
Parliamentary aspirants must pay a nomination fee of Sh200,000, while local councilor candidates are exempt from nomination fees. All forms must bear signatures from registered DP members, and candidates must provide an official party receipt showing proof of payment and application.
With the nomination window still open, Mutenyo reminded potential candidates that these requirements are not just formalities but legal standards that could affect their candidacy if ignored.
“This process isn’t about forms alone; it’s about integrity, verification, and preparation,” he said.
The DP continues to prepare for its internal primaries ahead of the 2026 general elections, as nomination activities intensify across the country.
