The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi has assured the country that the Commission remains firmly on course to organise and deliver free fair transparent and credible General Elections in 2026 as it steadily implements key activities under the national electoral roadmap.
Addressing journalists at the Electoral Commission headquarters Justice Byabakama said the briefing was intended to update Ugandans on the progress made so far in implementing the roadmap for the 2025–2026 General Elections which was launched in August 2023 and later revised in July 2024.
He commended the media for playing a vital role in informing citizens about different aspects of the electoral process thus enabling them to make informed choices on their leaders in line with Article 1(4) of the 1995 Constitution.
Justice Byabakama revealed that the Commission has already achieved major milestones including the demarcation of local government electoral areas reorganisation of polling stations updating the national voters register compilation and public display of Special Interest Groups registers conduct of SIG committee elections from village to national level and nomination of candidates for presidential parliamentary and local government positions.
As a result of these activities Uganda now has 146 districts 312 counties 353 constituencies 2,191 sub-counties towns and municipal divisions 10,717 parishes and 71,214 villages. The total number of polling stations stands at 50,739 while the registered voter population is 21,681,491.
Out of these registered voters 10,334,362 are male representing 47 percent while 11,347,129 are female accounting for 53 percent. The Commission has urged all registered voters to turn up on polling days and exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.
Justice Byabakama announced that the Commission will soon begin issuing Voter Location Slips to help voters easily identify their respective polling stations. He directed parish supervisors sub-county supervisors and district election administrators to ensure that every voter receives their slip.
Following conclusion of nominations a total of 83,597 candidates were nominated to contest for 45,505 elective positions across the country. However the Commission will conduct fresh nominations on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th November 2025 in areas where candidates passed away including Kassanda Kaabong Bududa Kwania Nakasongola Sironko and Tororo districts. The Chairperson clarified that candidates already nominated in those areas will not be required to undergo nomination again.
He further reminded the country of the official polling dates for the 2026 elections starting with the presidential and parliamentary elections set for 15th January 2026 followed by a series of elections for Special Interest Groups local government councils and national conferences running up to 6th February 2026.
Justice Byabakama disclosed that the Commission received about 300 petitions arising from the nomination exercise. He stated that each petition has been reviewed based on the law the Commission’s constitutional mandate and the merit of the evidence presented. He emphasized that this number is small compared to the over 83,000 nominations and shows that most processes were conducted smoothly.
On ballot production the Commission has engaged reputable international and local firms including Al Ghurair Printing Dubai UniPrint South Africa Inform Lykos Greece Sintel Security Nairobi Picfare Industries Kampala and Graphics Systems Kampala. Production is already underway and political parties have been asked to submit names of agents who will witness the delivery of ballot materials to ensure transparency.
Justice Byabakama also updated the public on election technology noting that the Commission has procured 109,142 Biometric Voter Verification Kits. So far 60,000 kits have been delivered and the remaining units are expected by the end of November 2025. The BVVK system will use fingerprint and facial recognition to authenticate voters and ensure the one person one vote principle. He said recruitment and training of operators and technical personnel is ongoing and public demonstrations will soon be conducted for stakeholders.
On accreditation the Commission will accredit both national and international observers and media practitioners. Observers in Kampala Mukono and Wakiso will be accredited at headquarters while others will be handled at district offices. He urged early application to avoid delays.
Regarding campaigns Justice Byabakama noted that while many candidates have complied with guidelines some have engaged in illegal processions unscheduled stops defamatory language and destruction of campaign materials. He strongly condemned violence and warned that sanctions will be imposed on individuals and parties that violate the rules.
He further stated the Commission’s commitment under Articles 60 and 61 of the Constitution to deliver free fair and transparent elections and called upon all stakeholders to embrace peaceful lawful and responsible participation throughout the electoral cycle.
Justice Byabakama stressed that a credible electoral process is a shared responsibility and urged all Ugandans to uphold peace respect and order as the country moves closer to the 2026 General Elections.