KAMPALA . The Electoral Commission (EC) is next Thursday , October 2, 2025, expected to give its verdict on the appeal filed by Dr. Steven Keddi Zuluba, the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) presidential flag bearer.
Dr Keddi’s nomination was blocked this week over reports that he did not collect sufficient signatures.
He was among the aspirants who failed to secure clearance during the September 23–24 presidential nominations at the EC’s new nomination grounds in Lweza along Entebbe Road .
The Commission ruled that while Dr Keddi submitted signatures from 107 districts, only 93 qualified, falling short of the required legal threshold .
Addressing Journalists in Kampala , Dr. Keddi accused the Commission of mishandling his case. He revealed that after being advised to present more signatures, he submitted 48 more districts, only to be informed later that the shortfall remained.
“On the first day of nominations on Tuesday, EC officials told me to wait for my certificate, but the day ended without it. I even camped at their offices until 10 pm.
Later, together with fellow aspirants Munyagwa Mubarak of the Common Man’s Party and Frank Kabinga of the Revolutionary People’s Party, we camped again at Industrial Area to demand clarity,” he complained
According to the philanthropist, EC’s political desk confirmed his clearance and issued an assessment form, after which he paid the Shs 20 million nomination fee. However, upon arrival at Lweza at 3:50 pm, he was denied access at the final security gate.
“The officers claimed they had no confirmation of my clearance. They delayed me as they cleared Frank Kabinga, and by 5 pm, I was told nominations had officially closed.” he added.
Dr. Keddi said his attempts to present proof, including the assessment form and bank slip, to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi were rejected. He was instead advised to lodge a formal appeal, which he did.
He has since urged UPM supporters to remain calm as the Commission reviews his appeal. “We believe this matter can be rectified. The next step will be communicated after the verdict,” he said.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday ,the EC scrutinized eight candidates for the 2025/2026 Presidential Elections scheduled for January 12 ,2025. These include the incumbent President Yoweri Museveni (NRM), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (NUP), Robert Kasibante (NPP), Joseph Mabirizi (CP), Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Gen. Mugisha Muntu (ANT), Frank Kabinga Bulira (RPP) and Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga (CMP).
The candidates are kicking off their campaigns on Monday with President Museveni starting in Luweero District on Tuesday . Luweero is where Museveni staged his 5-year guerilla war in 1986 on Tuesday ,while Kyagulanyi will be in Jinja District .