The Electoral Commission of Uganda has officially announced the comprehensive polling dates for the 2026 General Elections, setting the stage for a staggered electoral process that will determine the country’s leadership from the presidency down to local government councils.
According to a detailed schedule released by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, the pivotal elections for President and Members of Parliament — including directly-elected Members and District Woman Representatives — are slated for Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The announcement, made in line with Article 61(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, kicks off a busy electoral calendar extending into February 2026, encompassing a wide range of elective positions and Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
The staggered timetable is designed to ensure a smooth and organized process of electing leaders across all levels of government. Key polling dates include:
• January 15, 2026: Presidential and Parliamentary elections (Directly-elected MPs and District Woman Representatives).
• January 19, 2026: National Conference for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Representatives to Parliament; and election of Councillors representing SIGs (Youths, Older Persons, and PWDs) at Sub County/Town/Municipal Division.
• January 20, 2026: Election of Councillors representing SIGs at Municipality/City Division level.
• January 21, 2026: National Conference for Workers Representatives to Parliament.
• January 22, 2026: Elections for District/City Chairpersons, Lord Mayor, Mayors, and Councillors.
• January 27, 2026: Municipality/City Division Chairpersons and Councillors.
• January 28, 2026: National Conferences for National Female Youth Representative, National Female Older Persons Representative, and the Army Council meeting for UPDF Representatives to Parliament.
• January 29, 2026: Councillors representing SIGs at District/City level.
• February 2, 2026: Regional Conference for Older Persons Representatives to Parliament.
• February 4, 2026: Sub County/Town/Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors.
• February 6, 2026: Regional Conferences for Youth Representatives to Parliament.
In his official communication, Justice Byabakama called upon “all candidates, their agents and supporters, election observers and the general public to observe the respective dates and participate in accordance with the guidelines for polling for the respective elective position.”
The release of the polling timetable underscores the magnitude of the task ahead for the Electoral Commission and all stakeholders in ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. Political parties are expected to intensify their preparations, while civil society organizations and election observers gear up to monitor the exercise closely.
The 2026 General Elections will mark a crucial moment in Uganda’s democratic journey, setting the tone for leadership renewal across national and local structures.
