KAMPALA, Uganda: 17 November 2025— The Electoral Commission (EC) has adjusted polling dates for several special interest groups and launched a nationwide distribution of Voter Location Slips (VLS) ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
During a progress update on the electoral roadmap Wednesday, EC Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon announced the changes and unveiled new biometric technology intended to secure the vote.
Revised Polling Dates for Special Interest Groups
The Commission has rescheduled several elections for representatives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Youth, and Workers to ensure they can participate in both their specific electoral colleges and the general adult suffrage elections.
|
Elective Position |
Previous Date |
New Polling Date |
|---|---|---|
|
Election of SIG Councillors (Sub-County/Town/Municipal) |
Jan 19, 2026 |
Jan 30, 2026 |
|
National Conference: PWD Representatives |
Jan 19, 2026 |
Feb 3, 2026 |
|
National Conference: Workers Representatives |
Jan 21, 2026 |
Jan 19, 2026 |
|
Regional Conferences: Youth Representatives |
Feb 6, 2026 |
Jan 28, 2026 |
|
National Conference: Female Youth Representative |
Jan 28, 2026 |
Feb 6, 2026 |
Polling dates for other elective positions remain unchanged.
Voter Location Slips and Biometric Security
To address past difficulties in locating polling stations, the EC began issuing Voter Location Slips (VLS) on December 15, 2025. Registered voters must collect these slips in person from their Parish Headquarters by January 13, 2026.
The slips, which are provided free of charge, contain the voter’s photo and a unique barcode. This barcode will be used in conjunction with the newly acquired Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVK).
”The system will enable the Commission to ensure that only registered persons vote… and that such persons do not vote more than once for the same election,” Justice Byabakama stated.
The Commission has acquired 109,142 kits that use fingerprint and facial recognition to authenticate voters, aiming to uphold the “One-Man/Woman-One Vote” principle. Officials are currently undergoing training to operate these kits at all polling stations across the country.