By Mulengera Reporters
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda is steadily advancing its preparations for the upcoming general elections, with the latest delivery of ballot papers marking a significant step in ensuring smooth and secure elections.
On the morning of January 4, 2026, a consignment containing ballot papers for District Chairpersons and District Women Councillors arrived at Entebbe International Airport, a crucial addition to the materials required for the elections.
The arrival of these materials, which are part of an ongoing phased importation process, is a key indicator that Uganda is on track in its preparations for the elections. The EC has emphasized that, while the process is complex and involves numerous logistics challenges, it remains committed to transparency and efficiency.
Ballot papers for the District and City Chairpersons, along with District Women Councillors, make up a significant portion of the ballot materials for the elections. The delivery is part of a larger process that includes tailoring ballot papers to the exact number of registered voters in each district, ensuring that the correct quantity of materials is available at every polling station. The importation of these materials is being closely monitored, with strict protocols in place to guarantee the security and integrity of the process.
The phased importation, which began in late December 2025, started with the arrival of presidential ballot papers for over 21 million registered voters, followed by a second batch of ballots for Members of Parliament. Now, with the district chairperson and women councillor ballots nearly complete, the EC is approaching the final stages of its preparations.
As of January 4, 2026, approximately 90 percent of the district and city chairperson ballot papers have been delivered, signaling that the Commission is well ahead of schedule in securing the electoral materials it needs.
The public reception of these shipments is not only crucial for the EC’s logistical planning but also serves as a key public demonstration of the Commission’s commitment to fairness and openness.
Under the watchful eye of EC Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, senior EC officials, political party representatives, and election observers, the delivery process has been marked by a high level of transparency. These measures are vital to building and maintaining public trust in the electoral process, especially as the nation draws closer to the election date.
By ensuring that all externally printed ballot papers are safely delivered and securely stored, the EC is not only managing the logistical complexity of the election but also reinforcing its promise to uphold transparency and fairness, which are fundamental to the democratic process.
As the clock ticks toward polling day, the continued importation of ballot materials marks the EC’s readiness to face the challenges of the upcoming elections and ensure that all Ugandans can cast their vote with confidence.
