EC Assures Nation of Credible 2026 Elections as Final Roadmap Phase Begins

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, has announced that Uganda’s preparations for the 2026 General Elections have reached a critical and advanced stage, with all major roadmap activities up to the campaign phase successfully concluded.

Addressing the press at the Electoral Commission headquarters on the last day of 2025, Justice Byabakama said the country has entered the final lap of the 2025/2026 electoral roadmap, underscoring the Commission’s confidence in its readiness to deliver free, fair, credible and transparent elections.

He extended gratitude to key stakeholders whose support has enabled progress so far, including the Government of Uganda for financing electoral activities, Parliament for providing the legal and budgetary framework, political parties for mobilising voters, the media for disseminating voter education, and civil society, religious, cultural and business institutions for their complementary roles. Security agencies and Electoral Commission staff were also commended for safeguarding and implementing electoral processes nationwide.

Election Officials Trained, Observers Accredited

Justice Byabakama confirmed that the Commission has completed the recruitment and training of election officials at national, district and polling station levels. He said the exercise focused on equipping officials with the skills, professionalism and ethical standards required to manage a transparent electoral process.

In addition, the Commission is progressing with the accreditation of both domestic and international election observers, a move he said demonstrates openness, accountability and commitment to transparency. He further noted that the majority of petitions arising from candidate nominations for the 2026 General Elections have already been heard and determined in accordance with the law.

On the ongoing campaign period, the EC Chairperson reported steady progress, while cautioning political actors to strictly adhere to electoral laws and guidelines. He urged candidates and their supporters to conduct campaigns peacefully and with respect for the rights of others.

Mandatory Use of Biometric Voter Verification Kits

Justice Byabakama reiterated that the use of the Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK) during polling is now mandatory, following the signing of a statutory instrument by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. He described the measure as central to safeguarding the integrity of the vote by ensuring that only duly registered voters participate in the elections.

He also warned against the growing practice of publishing alleged irregularities in the National Voters Register on social media, stressing that complaints should be formally submitted to the Commission through its established offices. Publishing personal details or photographs of voters, he said, violates data protection and privacy laws and risks spreading misinformation and disinformation.

Ballot Papers Received, Materials Being Packed and Dispatched

The Chairperson disclosed that the Commission has begun receiving consignments of ballot papers and Declaration of Results (DR) forms from contracted security printers abroad. Ballot papers for the Presidential election, Directly-Elected Members of Parliament and District Woman Representatives to Parliament have already been delivered, in the presence of representatives of presidential candidates, political parties, the media and accredited observers.

He added that packing of generic election materials has been completed, while non-generic materials are underway. The dispatch of transparent ballot boxes, cordoning tapes, basins and solar lamps to districts and cities has already commenced. Packing of polling-station-specific materials, including the National Voters Register and ballot papers, is ongoing ahead of polling day.

Warning Issued Over Unauthorised Voter Website

Justice Byabakama issued a strong public warning against an unauthorised website, www.registry.ugtally.com , reportedly operated by an entity known as FANON. He clarified that the platform is not affiliated with the Electoral Commission and has not been accredited as a voter education organisation.

He cautioned the public against visiting the website or submitting personal information, warning that it may contain misleading or inaccurate data and pose risks to users. He emphasised that the constitutional mandate to compile, maintain and manage the National Voters Register lies exclusively with the Electoral Commission, and any unauthorised access or use of voter data is punishable by law.

Ugandans were advised to verify their voter registration details only through the official Electoral Commission platform.

Photo-Bearing Voters’ Register to Be Issued to Presidential Candidates

In line with the Electoral Commission Act, Justice Byabakama announced that hard copies of the photo-bearing National Voters’ Register will be issued to all presidential candidates contesting in the 2026 elections. The register contains details of over 21.6 million registered voters across more than 50,700 polling stations.

He said the move is intended to enhance transparency, enable candidates to monitor the voting process through their agents, and ensure that only eligible voters participate at their designated polling stations. He clarified that voters whose names and photographs appear on the register will be eligible to vote even without a National Identity Card.

Call for Peaceful Conduct

As the country enters the final weeks of the campaign period, Justice Byabakama appealed to candidates, political parties and supporters to exercise restraint and uphold peace, tolerance and respect for the rule of law before, during and after polling.

“The Commission assures the public of its unwavering commitment to delivering free, fair, credible and transparent elections,” he said, urging all Ugandans to play their part in ensuring a peaceful and successful electoral process.

He concluded by extending New Year wishes to the nation, calling on citizens to prioritise national stability as Uganda prepares for the 2026 General Elections.