KAMPALA, UGANDA – November 3, 2025 | The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially released the polling schedule for Uganda’s 2026 General Elections, confirming the dates for the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Council polls. The announcement, made in accordance with the country’s constitutional mandate, sets the stage for a comprehensive national electoral process.
In a statement issued by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the EC Chairperson, the Commission outlined a detailed timeline for all elective positions, urging the public and political actors to comply with electoral guidelines and participate responsibly.
Justice Byabakama emphasized that the Commission is fully prepared to deliver a transparent and credible electoral process, noting that the 2026 General Elections will be conducted in a staggered schedule spanning one month to ensure orderly management across the country.
“The Commission calls upon all stakeholders — political parties, candidates, and voters — to adhere to the electoral laws and participate peacefully in shaping Uganda’s democratic future,” Justice Byabakama stated.
Start of the Electoral Process
According to the official release, the Presidential and General Parliamentary Elections, which include directly elected Members of Parliament and District Woman Representatives, will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026. This exercise will mark the official start of the national polling period.
Subsequent elections will follow in a phased manner across various levels of governance, covering District, City, Municipality, and Sub-County leadership positions.
Key Polling Dates Announced
The Electoral Commission outlined the following polling dates for major elective positions:
- January 15, 2026: Presidential and Parliamentary Elections (Directly-elected MPs and District Woman Representatives)
- January 22, 2026: District/City Local Government Council Elections (Chairpersons, Lord Mayors, Mayors, and Councillors)
- January 27, 2026: Municipality/City Division Chairpersons and Councillors Elections
- February 4, 2026: Sub-County/Town/Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors Elections
The EC also confirmed that elections for Special Interest Groups (SIGs) — including youth, women, persons with disabilities, workers, and older persons — will be conducted within the same electoral calendar.
Commitment to Transparency and Preparedness
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the 2026 polls are conducted under conditions of integrity, accessibility, and fairness, emphasizing logistical readiness across all districts.
Justice Byabakama highlighted ongoing voter education campaigns, the update of the national voters’ register, and continuous stakeholder engagement as part of the Commission’s strategy to build public confidence ahead of polling.
The 2026 General Elections represent another milestone in Uganda’s democratic journey, one that will test the strength of institutions and the maturity of civic participation.
As the country moves into the election season, the Electoral Commission has called upon all citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and actively engaged in shaping the leadership that will define Uganda’s next phase of development.
