The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially released the symbols for 27 registered political parties and 20 designated symbols for independent candidates, setting the stage for Uganda’s 2026 General Elections.
This development marks a crucial step in the country’s multiparty democratic process, guided by the Political Parties and Organizations Act of 2005. Enacted following Uganda’s return to multiparty politics through a historic 2005 referendum, the law mandates that each party have a unique, easily identifiable symbol to aid voters—especially those who may not be literate.
Among the established players, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) retains its iconic yellow bus, while the National Unity Platform (NUP) continues to rally under the umbrella. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) sticks with the key, and the Democratic Party (DP) holds on to the hoe. Other notable symbols include a light bulb for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), a peace sign for the Conservative Party (CP), and a tree representing the Democratic Front (DF).
Newer or lesser-known parties are also making their mark with fresh, eye-catching symbols. The Ecological Party of Uganda (EPU) is symbolized by a microphone, the National Peasants’ Party (NPP) by a pen, and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) by a lantern. The Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA) will campaign under a giraffe, while the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP) is represented by two hands holding the map of Uganda.
For independent candidates, the EC has curated a list of 20 everyday items as symbols—each designed to stand out on the ballot and resonate with grassroots voters. The options include a ball, banana, boat, book, borehole, candle, car, chair, clock, coffee, cup, house, jerrycan, kettle, megaphone, pot, radio, saucepan, table, and television.
EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi emphasized that these symbols will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis during the official nomination period.
“Candidates running as Independents during the 2026 General Elections will choose from the following Electoral Commission-approved symbols. These will be picked by the aspirants on a first-come, first-served basis during nominations,” Mucunguzi said.
The use of symbols plays a critical role in ensuring clarity and recognition on the ballot—particularly for rural and less literate populations who rely on visual identifiers rather than text.
The unveiling of these symbols signals a key moment in the EC’s broader preparations for the 2026 elections, as voter education, party registration, and nomination activities gather momentum nationwide.
