The Electoral Commission of Uganda has issued an important update on the country’s preparations for the 2026 General Elections. In a statement delivered on Wednesday, 17th December 2025, the Chairperson of the Commission assured the nation that steady progress is being made to ensure regular, free, and fair elections and referenda.
The statement was presented at the Electoral Commission offices in Kampala, where representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, election observers, and members of the media were welcomed. The Chairperson noted that transparency and public engagement remain key pillars of the Commission’s work as the country moves closer to the 2026 polls.
During the briefing, the Commission highlighted its ongoing activities under the election roadmap. These activities are designed to prepare voters, political actors, and institutions for a smooth electoral process. The Commission also emphasized its commitment to following the Constitution and electoral laws while managing the election calendar.
As part of the day’s programme, the Electoral Commission conducted a public demonstration of the Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS). This system is intended to improve the credibility of elections by ensuring that only eligible voters participate and that the voting process is secure and transparent.
One of the major announcements in the statement was the adjustment of polling dates for elections of representatives of Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These groups include persons with disabilities, youths, older persons, workers, and other categories represented at both parliamentary and local government levels.
The election of representatives of persons with disabilities to Parliament, initially scheduled for 19th January 2026, has been moved to 3rd February 2026. In addition, elections for SIG councillors at sub-county, town, and municipal division levels will now take place on 30th January 2026 instead of 19th January 2026.
Other changes include the election of workers’ representatives to Parliament, which has been brought forward from 21st January 2026 to 19th January 2026. The national conference to elect the National Female Youth Representative to Parliament has been shifted from 28th January 2026 to 6th February 2026, while regional youth representatives will now be elected on 28th January 2026 instead of 6th February 2026.
According to the Electoral Commission, these adjustments were made to allow members of Special Interest Groups to fully participate in the general elections through universal adult suffrage. The Commission stressed that the changes will also enable these groups to take part more effectively in both their special elections and the wider national electoral process, strengthening democracy and inclusion in Uganda.
