By Mulengera Reporters
The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially kicked off the 2025/2026 General Elections calendar with the polling of Village Older Persons Committees, which began today, Monday, 16th, across the country.
This marks the first electoral event under the roadmap for Special Interest Group (SIG) elections running from the village to the national level.
Targeting one of the most often overlooked demographics in Uganda’s politics, the elections are being held specifically for older persons aged 60 years and above. Only those appearing on both the National Voters’ Register and the SIGs Register in their respective villages are eligible to vote or be voted for.
The EC has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive and participatory democracy, ensuring that every segment of society (including the elderly) has a voice in shaping the leadership of the country.
Speaking earlier this month while unveiling the SIG election roadmap, EC Boss Justice Simon Byabakama emphasized the importance of older persons’ involvement in governance, saying, “Every citizen, regardless of age or physical condition, has a role to play in the nation’s democratic growth.”
Today’s polls are being conducted through the lining-up method, as stipulated under the Local Government Act, which governs SIG elections.
Under this method, voters line up behind their candidate of choice in full view of the community and election officials. Though the method has previously faced criticism for its lack of privacy, the EC insists it remains an efficient and transparent process, especially for elections conducted at the grassroots level.
In many villages, the turnout of elderly voters has been modest but encouraging, with a significant number braving mobility challenges to participate.
In Wakiso District, for instance, elderly citizens could be seen arriving at polling centres as early as 8:00 a.m, some supported by family members and community volunteers.
In some rural parts of the east and north, local leaders assisted with transport arrangements to ensure that older voters reached polling stations on time.
The polls are being held in over 70,000 villages across the country, with each village expected to elect a five-member committee comprising a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Publicity Secretary, and a Member with disability representation.
These committees serve an advisory role and ensure the interests of older persons are included in local governance and development initiatives.
The EC has deployed trained election officials and supervisors in each village, supported by the Uganda Police Force to ensure order and compliance with election procedures. There have so far been no major incidents reported, a sign of improved coordination between EC and local administrative structures.
According to a circular issued by the EC on June 13th, the polling of older persons will be followed by the election of Village Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Committees on June 19th, and Youth Committees on June 24th.
The cycle will proceed progressively to higher administrative units (Parishes, sub-counties, and districts) culminating in the formation of SIGs’ National Executive Committees by August 2025.
The Commission has used this opportunity to encourage citizens to engage actively in the electoral process, urging especially young people and caretakers of the elderly to support participation.
The EC has also taken advantage of digital platforms to increase awareness, sharing schedules, guidelines, and polling requirements via social media, radio, and television. For the first time, QR codes have been incorporated into posters and notices, linking directly to detailed polling information for voters and candidates. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
