Electoral Commission Seeks UGX 469.5 Billion Supplementary Budget to Strengthen 2026 General Elections Preparedness

The Electoral Commission (EC) has requested a supplementary budget of UGX 469.5 billion to facilitate critical activities ahead of the January 2026 General Elections, citing new technological and logistical requirements that emerged following Cabinet directives and the expansion of polling stations across the country.

The request was presented to Parliament’s Budget Committee by Mr. Richard Kamugisha, the Acting Secretary to the Commission, who defended the supplementary schedule and underscored the necessity of timely funding to ensure credible, transparent, and efficient electoral processes.

Breakdown of the Budget Request

A significant portion of the requested funds is earmarked for strengthening the Commission’s technological infrastructure, which will play a central role on polling day.

Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) – UGX 268.380 Billion

The Commission plans to acquire upgraded Biometric Voter Verification Systems that incorporate enhanced features aimed at improving accuracy and speed during voter verification. Kamugisha explained that Cabinet directed the use of advanced biometric machines for the 2026 polls, necessitating fresh procurement and system integration.

De-duplication System – UGX 19.603 Billion

Another key component of the supplementary request is the acquisition of a robust de-duplication system. This technology will help the EC detect and eliminate cases where one individual may attempt to register multiple times. The system is intended to strengthen the integrity of the National Voters Register, preventing fraud and ensuring each voter is counted only once.

Other Logistical Needs

The remaining funds are expected to cover operational adjustments tied to the significant expansion of polling stations and related administrative demands.

Expansion of Polling Stations to 50,739

Kamugisha informed lawmakers that the supplementary funding request is partly driven by the creation of 15,256 additional polling stations, increasing the total from approximately 38,000 to 50,739. This adjustment follows a Cabinet decision to reorganize and streamline polling stations to reduce congestion, improve accessibility, and minimize delays during the voting exercise.

The increase in polling stations will require additional personnel, logistical support, voter education materials, biometric equipment, and other operational resources—factors that contribute to the overall budget increment.

Why the Increase is Critical

According to the Acting Secretary:

Growing voter population: Uganda continues to register more citizens reaching voting age, necessitating broader infrastructure.

Technological modernization: The integration of more reliable biometric systems demands higher upfront investment but enhances credibility.

Election integrity: The de-duplication system is seen as a vital safeguard against voter fraud.

Operational efficiency: More polling stations require more equipment and staff, ensuring manageable queues and smoother processes on election day.

Kamugisha stressed that failure to approve the supplementary funding in time could impede procurement schedules, disrupt training for EC personnel, and compromise the quality of the 2026 General Elections.

The Budget Committee is expected to review the request and present its recommendations to the House. If approved, the EC will immediately embark on procurement and system upgrading processes to beat the tight election preparation timelines. 

With Uganda gearing up for a pivotal electoral season, the Commission insists that adequate funding remains central to delivering a transparent, efficient, and credible election that meets the expectations of citizens and international standards.