The Electoral Commission (EC) has said it is fully prepared for the 2026 General Elections and has entered the final stage of organising the voting process.
EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama made the announcement on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, while addressing journalists at the Commission’s headquarters. He said all major activities on the election roadmap have been completed.
According to Justice Byabakama, the Commission has successfully carried out voter register updates, displayed the national voters’ register, nominated candidates, and overseen campaign activities. He described the country as being in the final stage of the 2025 to 2026 election journey.
He thanked the government, Parliament, political parties, the media, civil society groups, religious and cultural leaders, security agencies, and Electoral Commission staff for their support throughout the process.
Justice Byabakama said government funding and Parliament’s approval of election laws and budgets made it possible for the Commission to complete its work on time.
He also revealed that election officials have been recruited and trained at national, district, and polling station levels to ensure the elections are conducted professionally and transparently.
The EC is continuing to accredit both local and international election observers, which he said shows the Commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Most complaints that arose during the nomination period have already been handled according to the law, he added.
Justice Byabakama reminded voters that the Biometric Voter Verification Kit will be compulsory on polling day. He said the machines will help prevent voter fraud and ensure that only registered voters are allowed to vote. He noted that the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has signed a legal instrument making the use of the machines mandatory.
He warned the public against sharing voters’ names, photos, or personal information on social media and other online platforms. He said any concerns about the voters’ register should be reported directly to the Electoral Commission, adding that spreading unverified information is misleading and violates privacy laws.
The Commission confirmed that ballot papers and declaration of results forms for the presidential, directly elected Member of Parliament, and district woman Member of Parliament elections have already arrived in the country. The delivery was witnessed by representatives from political parties, candidates, the media, and election observers.
Justice Byabakama said the packing of election materials is ongoing, while the distribution of ballot boxes, solar lamps, and other equipment to districts has already begun.
He also warned the public about an unauthorised website, www.registry.ugtally.com, which is being promoted as a platform for checking voter details. He said the website is not linked to the Electoral Commission and should not be trusted.
Ugandans were advised not to visit the site or submit personal information, as it may provide false information and pose security risks. The EC said voters should only use its official website, www.ec.or.ug/register, to check voter registration details and polling stations.
The Commission has written to the Uganda Communications Commission to guide on action against the unauthorised platform.
Justice Byabakama further announced that all presidential candidates will receive hard copies of the photo-bearing National Voters’ Register. The register contains details of 21.6 million registered voters across 50,739 polling stations nationwide.
He explained that the register will help candidates monitor the voting process and ensure that only eligible voters cast ballots at the correct polling stations.
He also clarified that any voter whose name and photograph appear on the register will be allowed to vote even if they do not have a national identity card.
