🗳️ Byabakama Announces January 15, 2026 As Date For Presidential And Parliamentary Polls

The Chairman of Uganda’s Independent Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, has officially announced January 15, 2026 as the date for the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections, marking a crucial milestone in Uganda’s electoral calendar.

Addressing a press conference at the Electoral Commission Headquarters in Kampala, Justice Byabakama outlined the key milestones of the 2026 Electoral Roadmap, reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to deliver a transparent, credible, and constitutionally compliant election.

He revealed that nominations for all aspiring Members of Parliament will be conducted on October 22nd and 23rd, 2025, at respective EC district offices across the country. Candidates for the special interest groups (SIGs) — including older persons, people with disabilities, workers, and youth — will have their nominations at the EC headquarters on the same dates.

“We are committed to ensuring that all electoral activities are executed within the constitutional timeframes, and that all eligible Ugandans participate freely and fairly in choosing their leaders,” Justice Byabakama stated.

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According to the roadmap, Parliamentary and Local Government campaigns will commence on November 10th, 2025, and all campaign activities are to close by January 13th, 2026, two days before polling.

The EC Chairman also detailed that 353 directly elected MPs, 146 district women representatives, 5 representatives of older persons, 5 of persons with disabilities, 5 for workers, and 5 youth representatives at regional levels will be elected during the 2026 cycle.

For eligibility, directly elected Members of Parliament must present:

• A non-refundable nomination fee of UGX 3,000,000, accompanied by a valid bank payment slip;

• Being a Uganda registered voter of 18 years and above

• Academic qualifications not below Advanced Level (A’ Level); and

• At least 10 registered voters from within their respective constituencies as supporters.

The press briefing was attended by the Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, and the Acting EC Secretary, Representative of Political Parties, led by Moses Byaruhanga Moses representing National Resistance Movement Organisations (NRM) among other senior officials.

Justice Byabakama reiterated the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency, assuring stakeholders that preparatory activities — including voter register updates, logistical planning, and stakeholder engagements — are well underway.

As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 General Elections, the EC’s announcement now sets the stage for heightened political activity and preparations across the political divide.

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