By URN
Independent presidential hopeful Dr. Daniel Dennis Ssemugenyi has asked the High Court in Kampala to block the printing of ballot papers unless his name and photograph are included.
Dr. Ssemugenyi argues in his case before the Civil Division that the Electoral Commission unlawfully refused to nominate him despite his full compliance with all legal requirements, including submitting completed nomination forms and verified signatures from over 110 districts.
Court documents indicate that while 99 of the district submissions were confirmed as authentic, the remaining signatures were ignored after the nomination exercise was declared closed.
Dr. Ssemugenyi maintains that this action is unconstitutional, procedurally improper, and a violation of his right to a fair hearing under Articles 28, 42, and 44 of the Constitution. He further contends that the Electoral Commission’s failure to address his repeated petitions and follow-up letters constitutes an abuse of power and exceeds its legal mandate.
The Records before the Civil Division of the High Court indicate that the aspirant lodged a formal petition with the Electoral Commission on 24th and 25th September 2025, seeking redress over the alleged irregularities.
According to his affidavit, the petition outlined his compliance with all requirements and requested that the commission take steps to include him among the official list of presidential candidates.
But the Electoral Commission has not scheduled a hearing, prompting Dr. Ssemugenyi’s legal team at Ahamark Advocates to send multiple reminder letters urging the commission to act. The repeated lack of response forms the basis of his claim that the commission is failing in its statutory and constitutional duties.
Through his lawyers at Ahamark Advocates, Dr. Ssemugenyi is seeking a mandamus  order compelling the commission to immediately take all necessary administrative steps to formally nominate him. He is also demanding 1 billion shillings to cover the costs incurred in mobilizing signatures across the districts, as well as 500 million shillings in general and aggravated damages for loss of legitimate expectations and the inconvenience caused by the EC’s inaction.
Dr. Ssemugenyi appeared in court today with his lawyer Francis Harimwomugasho before Justice Bonny Teko, who is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter next Thursday. The aspirant warned that continued inaction by the Electoral Commission undermines democracy, disenfranchises his supporters, and risks affecting national peace and stability and that Uganda doesn’t belong to one family or political party.
On Wednesday, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama  confirmed that the printing of ballot papers for the 2026 General Elections is ongoing, with all materials for the Presidential and Parliamentary races currently being produced in Dubai. The Commission indicated that the process is being run efficiently and on schedule as preparations intensify ahead of January 15th 2026 Presidential and Parliamentary elections which will preceed the Local government elections for Councillors, Mayors and District Chairpersons. Only 8 presidential Candidates were nominated to participate in the coming elections.
