Uganda EC launches 2026 election road map, gov’t promises free and fair elections

The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja has launched the Strategic Plan 2022/2023-2026/2027 and Roadmap for the 2025/2026 General Elections with (@UgandaEC) Chairperson, @NorbertMao, the Justice Minister and constitutional affairs at an event held at Hotel Africana in Kampala. #WhisperEyeNews

The launch has finalized and unveiled the roadmap for the 2026 general elections, as well as the strategic plan for 2022/2023-2026/2027,

The Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon said, the strategic plan being launched is a result of extensive research and stakeholder consultation, It is our strong desire that we work with all stakeholders to have smooth, transparent, free and fair elections.

According to Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, “The quest for free and fair elections is not a monopoly of the Electoral Commission. Every stakeholder has a role to play in accordance with the Constitution. A free and fair election is a wholesome process that involves all stakeholders with the EC playing a lead role”.

He said: The Uganda Electoral Commission is prepared to work with everybody to have free and fair elections

Byabakama unveiled some of the key strategic objectives as enhancing inclusive participation and strengthening institutional capacity as,

1. Government commitment to fund the electoral process
2. An enabling legal framework
3. An experienced & knowledgeable workforce
4. Good working relationship between the members of the Commission and Staff
5. Forward planning through project approach and roadmap for electoral activities;
6. Availability and use of technology.

The EC Secretary, Mr Leonard Mulekwah said, ” We should have general update of the National Voters’ Register by January 2025″ , Demarcation of the electoral areas should be done by July 2024, he added.

He added, “We expect the nomination of candidates for President to take place between 2nd October and 3rd October 2025. This is in line with the Presidential Elections Act”.

The EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon said: “The Commission appeals to the Government, particularly Cabinet and the Legislature, to ensure timely amendment and/or enactment of the relevant electoral laws”.

He further noted, This is critical because any amendment in electoral laws will have to take into consideration, the electoral roadmap, the procurement timeframes in accordance with PPDA requirements, and the impact on the overall elections planning and budget.

“The Commission appeals to the Government to consider and approve the creation of new administrative units in a timely manner, so that the electoral program and budget are not destabilized”, he said.

He said: When this is not done, the impact on our preparations, particularly on the demarcation of electoral areas, re-organization of polling stations, and voter education is enormous.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs who also doubles as Democratic Party President Hon. Norbert Mao who was present at the launch said, “The issues raised such as the need to enact laws to enable the elections are very vital. These are issues that keep Ugandans waiting”.

He added: The EC has been lamenting about civic education. I would want us to focus on civic education. The citizens are the nursery beds for leaders because leaders are picked from citizens. We need to make sure our citizens have civic education.

The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robina Nabaja who was the guest of honour Assured the EC and Ugandans that, the Office of the Prime Minister will make sure that the enactment of relevant laws for the 2025/2026 General Elections is done before the end of the 2023/2024 financial year.

She further noted, “I implore all stakeholders to carefully examine all the timelines as outlined in the Roadmap, and work with the Electoral Commission to smoothly implement the electoral roadmap for 2025/2026 general elections”

She called upon all political players to organize themselves in accordance with this roadmap so that they effectively participate in this process.