EC maintains 15 January 2026 election date as Byabakama updates nation

26 November 2025, 9:05 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Electoral Commission (EC) has reaffirmed that the presidential and parliamentary elections will take place on 15 January 2026, with no changes to the previously announced date.

While addressing journalists at EC headquarters in Kampala, Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the commission continues to fulfil Article 61 of the Constitution, which mandates it to organise, conduct and supervise elections and referenda.

Byabakama noted progress in the ongoing electoral process and revealed that training for officials who will operate biometric machines is underway. He also cautioned presidential candidates violating campaign guidelines.

“We said campaigns should start at 7am and end at 6pm, but we have seen some candidates holding rallies at night. That must stop,” he said. He further condemned processions along public roads, saying they disrupt other road users.

The EC chairperson also announced that six districts will undergo fresh nominations after some nominated candidates passed away. The exercise will take place on 27 and 28 November 2025. The affected districts are Kasanda, Kaabong, Bududa, Kwania, Sironko and Tororo. Those already nominated will not be required to return.

Uganda currently has 21,681,491 registered voters, with 11,347,129 females (53%) and 10,334,362 males (47%) across 146 districts. Polling day for persons with special needs is scheduled for 19 January 2026.

Byabakama warned individuals planning to “guard votes” after polling, saying accredited agents will handle all vote protection duties.

He confirmed that voter location slips will be issued only to registered voters and that ballot papers will soon be delivered. Printing has been conducted by different companies: presidential ballot papers are coming from Dubai, while others were printed by Picfare (Uganda), firms in Nairobi, and additional international suppliers.

The EC has asked each presidential candidate to designate two representatives to witness the arrival of ballot papers printed abroad. International and local election observers have also been urged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

“We urge all stakeholders to play their roles accordingly,” Byabakama said.