Electoral Commission Reschedules Non-Unionised Workers’ Elections to August 18, 2025
According to the law, a non-unionised worker is: A Ugandan citizen aged 18 years or above; A registered voter; A remunerated worker with a valid employment identity card; Not affiliated to any labour union.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially announced a rescheduling of the elections of Non-Unionised Workers’ Delegates at Sub-County, Division, and Town Council levels. The elections, previously set for Tuesday, 5th August 2025, will now be held on Monday, 18th August 2025.
The announcement was made by Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, who emphasized the importance of adequate preparations and coordination with the Minister responsible for Workers, as mandated under Section 15 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177.
“The Sub-County conferences have been rescheduled to allow for the conclusion of necessary preparations,” the Chairperson stated.
Who Qualifies as a Non-Unionised Worker?
According to the law, a non-unionised worker is:
A Ugandan citizen aged 18 years or above; A registered voter;
A remunerated worker with a valid employment identity card;
Not affiliated to any labour union.
Such workers are eligible to participate in electing delegates at various levels, who will ultimately contribute to selecting Workers’ Representatives in Parliament.
Revised Schedule of Elections
Below is the newly released electoral calendar for non-unionised workers’ conferences:
1. Sub-County/City/Municipal Division Delegates Conference
Date: Monday, 18th August 2025
Venue: All Sub-County, City Division, and Municipal Division Headquarters
Purpose: Election of 10 delegates (at least 3 women) to represent each unit at the City/District level.
2. City/District Delegates Conference
Date: Friday, 22nd August 2025
Venue: All City and District Headquarters
Purpose: Elect 10 delegates (minimum 3 women) to proceed to the Regional Conference.
3. Regional Delegates Conference
Date: Monday, 25th August 2025
Regions: Northern, Eastern, Central, and Western Uganda
Purpose: Elect 10 regional delegates per region to join unionised workers’ delegates in forming the National Electoral College for choosing Workers’ MPs.
The EC has issued clear instructions regarding how the conferences will be conducted:
Time: All conferences will commence at 7:00 a.m. sharp.
Nominations: Conducted orally by a proposer and two seconders.
Voting Method: Lining up behind a preferred candidate, beginning with the election of three women delegates before filling the remaining seven slots.
Delegate Roles: Elected delegates will not hold specific offices (Chairperson, Secretary, etc.) but will serve as voting members at the next level.
The final phase of the electoral process — the National Delegates Conference for electing Members of Parliament representing Workers — is expected to be held between 12th January and 9th February 2026, with dates to be officially confirmed by the Electoral Commission.
The Electoral Commission is urging all eligible non-unionised workers across Uganda to:
Ensure they are registered voters; Possess a valid employment ID;
Confirm they are not members of a labour union;
Participate actively in the upcoming delegates’ conferences.
“We call upon all eligible non-unionised workers to turn up in big numbers and exercise their constitutional right to elect their leaders,” Justice Byabakama stated in the notice.
All Regional Election Officers, Returning Officers, and Community Development Officers (CDOs) have been directed to disseminate this information widely and ensure smooth implementation of the revised schedule.
The postponement is a proactive measure to ensure inclusivity, transparency, and preparedness in conducting one of the most crucial segments of Uganda’s workers’ representation process.
