Electoral Commission Sets January–February Polling Dates for All Positions
Electoral Commission has formally unveiled the timetable for the 2026 General Elections, marking the beginning of what is expected to be one of the country’s most significant political events in decades.
The announcement was made in a press statement issued on Monday, November 3, 2025, by the Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, who confirmed the official polling dates for presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections.
Justice Byabakama said the timetable was developed in accordance with Article 61(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which mandates the Commission to conduct regular, free, and fair elections within the first 30 days of the final year of every term of office.
“In line with Article 61(2) of the Constitution, the Electoral Commission has appointed the dates below for the elections of President, Members of Parliament, and Local Government Councils,” Justice Byabakama stated.
The release of the schedule sets the stage for a politically charged election period, as parties, candidates, and citizens prepare for the 2026 polls.
Presidential and Parliamentary Elections to Open the Polling Season
According to the Commission’s schedule, the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections—covering directly elected Members of Parliament and District Woman Representatives—will take place on January 15, 2026.
This event will mark the start of the national voting process and is expected to draw intense public interest, given Uganda’s evolving political climate and the increasing competition between the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition parties such as the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
The National Conference for the Election of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Representatives to Parliament will follow on January 19, 2026, alongside the Election of Councillors representing Special Interest Groups (Youths, Older Persons, and PWDs) at Sub-County, Town, and Municipal Division levels.
Local Government and Special Interest Elections Spread Through January
The next phase of the elections will cover local government leadership and special interest groups.
On January 20, 2026, Councillors representing Special Interest Groups at Municipality and City Division levels will be elected, followed by the National Conference for Election of Workers Representatives to Parliament on January 21, 2026.
A major event will come on January 22, 2026, when Ugandans elect District and City Local Government Councils, including District/City Chairpersons, Lord Mayor, Mayors, and Councillors.
These elections are expected to be hotly contested, particularly in major urban areas such as Kampala, Wakiso, Mbarara, and Gulu, where local leadership carries high political influence.
The elections for Municipality and City Division Chairpersons and Councillors are scheduled for January 27, 2026.
On January 28, 2026, three critical national events will occur concurrently — the Election of the National Female Youth Representative to Parliament, the National Female Older Persons Representative, and the Army Council Meeting for Election of UPDF Representatives to Parliament.
The following day, January 29, 2026, will see the Election of Councillors representing Special Interest Groups (Youths, Older Persons, and PWDs) at District and City levels.
The Regional Conferences for Election of Older Persons Representatives to Parliament will take place on February 2, 2026, followed by the Sub-County, Town, and Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors elections on February 4, 2026.
The electoral process will conclude with the Regional Conferences for Election of Regional Youth Representatives to Parliament on February 6, 2026.
EC Calls for Calm, Compliance, and Civic Responsibility
Justice Byabakama urged all political candidates, agents, supporters, and members of the public to adhere to the published schedule and the established electoral guidelines.
“All candidates, their agents, supporters, election observers, and the general public are reminded to observe the respective dates and participate in accordance with the guidelines for polling for the respective elective positions,” he said.
The Commission emphasized that it has already begun logistical preparations, including updating the National Voters Register, training polling officials, and setting up tally centers.
Early Release of Dates Seen as a Move to Build Trust
Political analysts say the early release of the polling timetable reflects the Commission’s attempt to promote transparency and improve stakeholder confidence in the electoral process.
Dr. Sarah Bukenya, a political science lecturer at Makerere University, said the Commission appears keen on avoiding delays and logistical challenges that characterized previous elections.
“The early release of the 2026 election schedule is a strategic move,” she said. “It gives parties, candidates, and election observers enough time to prepare and ensures smoother coordination in the months leading up to the vote.”
Civil society organizations have also welcomed the development but called for intensified voter education campaigns, particularly in rural areas.
The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) urged the EC to prioritize civic awareness.
“This election must not only be about organizing polling stations,” a CCEDU spokesperson said. “It should empower citizens to make informed choices and understand their rights as voters.”
A Look Ahead: The 2026 Race and the Stakes Involved
The 2026 General Election will be Uganda’s seventh multiparty election since the restoration of the multiparty system in 2005. Over 18 million voters are expected to cast their ballots in what could be one of the most competitive races in the country’s history.
The polls are expected to feature President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, and opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) of the National Unity Platform, among other candidates.
The EC has pledged to enhance credibility through digital voter verification systems, improved tallying methods, and transparent results management.
Experts note that the 2026 elections will serve as a test of Uganda’s democratic resilience amid rising political engagement among young voters and growing demands for institutional accountability.
Ensuring Credibility and Peaceful Participation
As the electoral period draws near, the EC is working closely with security agencies, political parties, and civic groups to ensure peaceful participation.
The Commission has appealed to the media to play a constructive role by providing accurate, balanced, and responsible coverage throughout the campaign and polling period.
Observers from regional and international organizations are also expected to be accredited early to enhance oversight and credibility.
Justice Byabakama reiterated that the Commission’s mission is to guarantee a fair process for all participants.
“We call upon every Ugandan to respect the law and uphold peace during this critical democratic exercise,” he said.
Countdown to a Defining Election
With the timetable now in place, the countdown to Uganda’s 2026 elections has officially begun.
Political activity is expected to intensify as parties finalize their primaries, unveil manifestos, and mobilize grassroots support.
For many Ugandans, the elections represent both a test of the country’s democratic maturity and a defining moment for the next chapter of its leadership.
As the nation prepares for the January 15 presidential and parliamentary polls, the focus now shifts to ensuring that the Electoral Commission delivers what Ugandans have long demanded — a peaceful, transparent, and credible election that reflects the will of the people.
