Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, unveiled the four-year strategic plan and roadmap leading to the 2026 general elections in Uganda.
The plan prioritizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
According to the roadmap, Presidential candidates will be nominated on October 2nd and October 3rd, 2025, while Parliamentary candidates’ nominations will take place earlier, on September 16th and September 17th, 2025.
The polling for both categories is scheduled between January 12th and February 9th, 2026, in line with the constitution’s stipulations.
Byabakama emphasized that the strategic plan resulted from extensive consultations, self-assessment, and review of observer reports and recommendations. Its main objective is to improve planning, coordination, and timely implementation of electoral activities to ensure a free and fair election.
The plan also aims to foster public trust in the electoral system and enhance the institutional capacity of the Electoral Commission.
In the past, the commission faced criticism for alleged partisanship and delayed flagging off of electoral activities, benefiting incumbents and disadvantaging challengers. To address these concerns, Byabakama stressed the importance of adequate and timely funding to avoid logistical challenges and delays.
The estimated cost of the 2026 elections is 1.367821 trillion shillings, a significant increase from the previous polls. Byabakama explained that the rise in costs is due to population growth, material expenses, and necessary reforms. Despite calls to merge elections on the same day to reduce expenses, the commission deemed it impractical, considering logistical and voter-related factors.
To ensure a smooth electoral process, the roadmap outlines key dates for various electoral activities, including procurement of materials and services, national training for commission staff, re-organization of polling stations, and the demarcation of constituencies and electoral areas.
Byabakama also highlighted the need to avoid shoddy execution due to the late creation of administrative units. The commission aims to complete electoral and demarcation reforms in a timely manner to ensure effective planning and implementation.
As part of the process, the roadmap sets nomination dates for candidates, compilation and display of voter registers, and deadlines for establishment of academic papers with the Electoral Commission.
Additionally, it requires those in public service intending to stand for office to resign by specific dates to ensure fairness and adherence to electoral rules.
The Electoral Commission’s strategic plan and roadmap aim to deliver a free, fair, and peaceful election, emphasizing transparency, public trust, and cost-effectiveness.
Byabakama and the commission are committed to achieving these objectives, ensuring the democratic process in Uganda remains robust and efficient.
At the event held at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Premier Robinah Nabbaja chaired the unveiling of the EC Strategic Plan 2022/3 – 2026/7 and roadmap.
Distinguished attendees included policymakers, politicians, judicial officers, civil society representatives, and diplomats from China, Egypt, UK, US, Turkey, Argentina, Pakistan, and Syria.
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