NUP Issues New Academic Certification Guidelines Ahead of 2026 Elections

As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, the National Unity Platform (NUP) has released detailed guidelines clarifying the process for certification of academic documents for party members aspiring for elective positions.

In a circular signed by Chemutai Harriet, Chairperson of the party’s Election Management Committee (EMC), the NUP outlined specific procedures that will govern the vetting of academic qualifications for those intending to contest for positions of Member of Parliament, District Chairperson, and City Mayor under its ticket.

For candidates who possess original Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (A-Level) certificates, the committee clarified that no additional certification by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) will be required.

Aspirants will, however, need to present the original certificates during submission of their Expression of Interest forms for verification against submitted copies.

The originals will be returned to candidates after inspection.

“For those applying online, the Committee may invite you, during the vetting process, to present your original copy for analysis,” the statement reads.

Those who have already submitted their documents will only be required to take further action if contacted by the committee.

The EMC further advised that candidates who have lost or misplaced their A-Level certificates must obtain certified copies from UNEB. In the case of individuals who obtained their qualifications abroad or who hold non-equivalent certificates, the committee made it mandatory for them to secure a certificate of equivalence from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

The updated guidelines come at a time when political parties across Uganda are intensifying preparations for the 2026 elections, in which President Yoweri Museveni is expected to seek re-election while facing growing opposition activity.

The 2026 polls will mark a highly competitive contest, with NUP—led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine—seeking to expand its parliamentary presence following its rapid rise during the 2021 elections, where it became the leading opposition party.

NUP’s latest directive is part of broader internal efforts to streamline the party’s vetting processes and ensure that all its candidates meet the academic requirements set out under Uganda’s electoral laws, which stipulate minimum education qualifications for various elective positions