Electoral Commission receives presidential and parliamentary ballot papers ahead of 2026 polls

26 December 2025, 11:29 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (as amended) mandates the Electoral Commission under Article 61 clause (1) to ensure that regular, free and fair elections are held, and to organise, conduct and supervise elections and referenda in accordance with the Constitution.

It is against this constitutional background that the Electoral Commission this week received consignments of presidential and parliamentary ballot papers ahead of the 2026 general elections. The deliveries were received at Entebbe International Airport by the Commission, led by its Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama.

On Wednesday, the Commission received a consignment of presidential ballot papers. The process was witnessed by key stakeholders, including representatives of presidential candidates, political parties, accredited election observers and members of the media, in line with the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Yesterday, the Commission also received a consignment of ballot papers for directly elected Members of Parliament, again at Entebbe International Airport. Justice Byabakama confirmed that a total of 193 pallets of presidential and parliamentary ballot papers were safely transported to the Electoral Commission warehouse under strict security arrangements.

During a previous press conference, the Chairperson revealed that the ballot papers for both presidential and parliamentary elections were printed in Dubai. However, some politicians have raised concerns over the decision, arguing that stakeholders should have been consulted on the choice of printing location to enhance transparency and reduce costs to taxpayers.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, who also doubles as the President General of the Democratic Party, Hon. Norbert Mao, has issued a strong warning against any interference with electoral technology. He confirmed that anyone who tampers with the Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK), including presiding officers, will face imprisonment.

“To enhance the integrity of elections, I recently signed the Electoral Commission (Adoption and Manner of Use of Biometric Voter Verification System) Regulations, 2025. Anybody, including presiding officers, who tampers with the BVVK will be jailed,” Mao said.

The developments come as Uganda intensifies preparations for the 2026 general elections, with authorities emphasizing transparency, security and adherence to the law throughout the electoral process.