KAMPALA, UGANDA – 3 November 2025: The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially released the polling schedule for the 2026 General Elections, confirming the dates for Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Council polls, in line with the constitutional mandate.
In a statement issued by the EC Chairman, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the Commission specified the dates for the various elective positions, reminding the public to adhere to the guidelines and participate accordingly. The much-anticipated Presidential and General Parliamentary Elections (Directly-elected MP and District Woman Representative) are slated for Thursday, 15th January 2026. This will mark the start of a staggered month-long electoral process.
Key Polling Dates:
The schedule reveals a comprehensive timeline that incorporates elections for Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and various tiers of local government councils:
* January 15, 2026: Elections of the President and Members of Parliament (Directly-elected MP and District Woman Representative).
* January 22, 2026: Elections of District/City Local Government Councils (Chairpersons, Lord Mayor, Mayors, and Councillors).
* January 27, 2026: Elections of Municipality/City Division Chairpersons and Councillors.
* February 4, 2026: Elections of Sub County/Town/Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Other Representatives:
Elections for SIGs representatives to Parliament and Councils will take place between January and February 2026:
* January 19, 2026: National Conference for the election of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Representatives to Parliament, and election of SIG Councillors (Youths; Older Persons and PWDs) at the Sub County/Town/Municipal Division level.
* January 21, 2026: National Conference for the election of Workers Representatives to Parliament.
* January 28, 2026: National Conferences for the election of National Female Youth and National Female Older Persons Representatives to Parliament, alongside the Army Council Meeting for Election of UPDF Representatives to Parliament.
* February 2, 2026: Regional Conference for the election of Older Persons Representatives to Parliament.
* February 6, 2026: Regional Conferences for the election of Regional Youths Representatives to Parliament.
A Call for Compliance:
In his closing remarks, Chairman Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon urged all stakeholders—including 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.”
