Uganda Electoral Commission in Final Sprint to 2026 Polls

By Jesse Okwir

With just 60 days remaining until Ugandans cast their votes in the 2026 general elections, the national atmosphere is one of palpable anticipation. At the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Kampala, the methodical planning of the past two years has culminated in a high-stakes, operational crescendo. The focus has shifted from preparation to execution, with every day critical to ensuring the polls are peaceful, credible, and efficient.

Under the leadership of Justice Simon Byabakama, the Commission is now deep in the final phase of its mammoth task, a period defined by logistics, last-minute checks, and a massive nationwide mobilization effort.

A Nationwide Machine in Motion

The theoretical has become physical. Over recent weeks, the EC’s warehouses have become hubs of activity, with the systematic packaging and distribution of non-sensitive materials—from ballot booths to stationery—already underway to districts across the country.

“The blueprint we have been refining for years is now being brought to life,” a Commission official stated. “Our entire focus is on ensuring that every polling station, from the busiest urban center to the most remote village, is fully equipped and staffed to perform its duty on election day.”

Key milestones have been reached. The national display and verification of the voter’s register have been completed, providing a crucial window for citizens to confirm their voting details. The EC has since been working to rectify the queries and objections raised, finalizing the list that will guide the election.

The Critical Final Mile: Priorities for the Home Stretch

With the countdown in its final stages, the EC’s work is concentrated on several decisive fronts. The most critical logistical operation is the secure procurement, delivery, and storage of ballot papers and other sensitive materials. This process is now the top priority, with the EC working closely with security agencies to ensure it is flawless, transparent, and shielded from any potential interference, a key measure for upholding the integrity of the vote.

Simultaneously, the EC is rolling out the final, large-scale training sessions for its presiding officers and polling assistants. This training goes beyond procedure, emphasizing conflict resolution, the use of electronic voter verification kits, and the strict adherence to voting and counting protocols. A well-trained official at each station is the first line of defense for a smooth electoral process.

The EC’s public communication has also entered its most vigorous phase. Through partnerships with media houses, community leaders, and civil society, a final wave of voter education is sweeping the nation. The messages are clear and practical, urging citizens to “Know Your Polling Station,” “Check Your Voter ID,” and “Understand the Voting Process.” The goal is to ensure every registered voter is informed, ready, and confident to participate.

As political activity intensifies, the EC is bolstering its communication and complaint-handling mechanisms. A dedicated, publicized hotline and information desk for political party agents, observers, and the media are operational to swiftly address last-minute queries and concerns, preventing the spread of misinformation.

Furthermore, the Commission is actively engaging with all political actors through forums like the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD), reiterating the shared responsibility to maintain a peaceful campaign period. By reminding parties of the agreed-upon code of conduct, the EC is playing a pivotal role as a neutral arbiter in the highly charged political environment.

A Shared National Moment

The final two months are a test not only for the Electoral Commission but for the entire nation. The EC has laid the groundwork through years of diligent preparation. Its success now hinges on the final execution of these plans and the cooperation of all stakeholders.

As the country stands on the threshold of this democratic exercise, the work of the Electoral Commission is moving from the planning rooms to the polling stations, a testament to a meticulous journey nearing its most critical day.