By Ben Musanje
Uganda’s road to the 2026 General Elections has officially begun, following the release of polling dates by the Electoral Commission (EC).
The announcement, made through a statement signed by EC Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, outlines a detailed calendar for the election of the President, Members of Parliament, and local government leaders across the country.
In line with Article 61(2) of the Constitution, the nationwide polls will take place between 15th January and 6th February 2026 a period that will see Ugandans engage in one of the most significant democratic exercises in the nation’s political calendar.
The process will begin with the Presidential and Parliamentary elections including directly elected MPs and District Woman Representatives set for 15th January 2026.
This will mark the opening act of a month-long electoral cycle encompassing national and local contests, as well as representation for special interest groups.
Elections for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Special Interest Group (SIG) councillors at Sub-county, Town, and Municipal Division levels will follow on 19th January, while SIG councilors at Municipality and City Division levels will cast their votes the next day.
The National Conference for Workers Representatives is scheduled for 21st January.
Local government leadership contests, including those for District Chairpersons, Lord Mayors, and Councilors, are planned for 22nd January, while Municipality and City Division elections will take place on 27th January.
A series of national conferences for the Female Youth Representative, Female Older Persons Representative, and UPDF Representatives to Parliament will occur on 28th January, followed by District and City SIG councilor elections on 29th January.
The Regional Conference for Older Persons will be held on 2nd February, and elections for Sub-county, Town, and Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councilors will take place on 4th February.
The electoral calendar will conclude with the Regional Conferences for Youth Representatives to Parliament on 6th February 2026.
Justice Byabakama reminded all political actors, election observers, and the public to respect the electoral timetable and participate in line with the Commission’s polling guidelines.
He emphasized the need for candidates, their agents, and supporters to act responsibly and in accordance with the law throughout the process.
Reiterating its constitutional mandate, the Electoral Commission assured Ugandans of its commitment to delivering regular, free, and fair elections, reinforcing public confidence as the 2026 political season approaches. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
