Former presidential aspirant John Katumba, popularly known as Katumba Oye, has returned his nomination forms to the Independent Electoral Commission (E.C.), marking a key step towards his bid for the 2026 presidential elections.
Katumba’s submission comes after a dramatic encounter earlier at the E.C. headquarters in Kampala, where his initial attempt to verify the required signatures was blocked.
Officials cited missing information on some of the endorsement forms, a prerequisite for presidential nomination.
The process grew tense when Katumba clashed with commission officials after being told to wait until after their lunch break. The youthful aspirant openly expressed frustration, questioning why public officials would “abandon their duty desks” during critical hours. He insisted that the delays were unfair to candidates, who are expected to meet strict deadlines.
“Why should I wait when the office is open? People deserve better service than this,” Katumba reportedly told journalists outside the E.C. premises.
Despite the earlier standoff, Katumba later returned with revised documents, which he successfully submitted. His action signals renewed determination to appear on the 2026 ballot, following his widely publicized but underfunded run in the 2021 elections, where he attracted attention for his unconventional campaign style and youthful appeal.
The Electoral Commission has not yet confirmed whether Katumba’s papers meet the full nomination requirements. Official clearance will only be granted after thorough scrutiny of his endorsements and compliance with electoral laws.