The Electoral Commission has refused to accept presidential hopeful John Katumba, popularly known as Katumba Oyee, after he showed up for nomination without a key requirement , the official submission letter.

The letter serves as proof that a candidate has returned their nomination forms and voter signatures, making it a crucial step before the Commission can formally receive presidential papers.

Katumba, dressed sharply in a pink blazer and white shirt, arrived at the Commission’s headquarters in Kampala on Monday with a neatly arranged file of documents. The scene was a far cry from his 2021 campaign, when he famously lacked transport and had to borrow rides, at one point using a battered blue Toyota Raum.

This time, the 28-year-old candidate pulled up in a cream Toyota Prado branded with campaign slogans that promised jobs, free education, tax reforms, and improved infrastructure .

Despite the hiccup today, Katumba Oyee has not been disqualified. The Electoral Commission says he still has time within the nomination window to resubmit his papers with the missing letter and secure his spot on the ballot.

Katumba rose to national attention in 2021 as the youngest presidential candidate in Uganda’s history, winning fans for his energy and resilience despite limited resources.