Uganda Electoral Commission Releases 2026 Polling Schedule

KAMPALA, Uganda – The Electoral Commission of Uganda has officially announced the polling dates for the 2026 General Elections, setting the stage for a series of electoral exercises to fill positions from the Presidency down to local government councils.

In a press release dated 29th October 2025 and signed by the Commission Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the electoral body acted in accordance with Article 61(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

The pivotal election for the President and directly-elected Members of Parliament, including District Woman Representatives, will be held on Thursday, 15th January 2026.

The extensive electoral calendar, spanning from January to February 2026, includes elections for various local government council positions and representatives for Special Interest Groups (SIGs) such as Youth, Older Persons, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Key dates also feature national and regional conferences to elect representatives for these special interest groups to Parliament.

Highlights of the 2026 Election Schedule:

· 22nd January 2026: Elections for District/City Chairpersons, Lord Mayors, Mayors, and Councillors.
· 27th January 2026: Elections for Municipality/City Division Chairpersons and Councillors.
· 28th January 2026: A busy day with national conferences for the election of the National Female Youth Representative, the National Female Older Persons Representative, and an Army Council Meeting to elect UPDF Representatives to Parliament.
· 4th February 2026: Elections for Sub County/Town/Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors.

The Electoral Commission has called upon all candidates, their agents and supporters, election observers, and the general public to take note of the respective dates and participate in accordance with the established polling guidelines.

The announcement underscores the Commission’s commitment to conducting a “regular free and fair elections and referenda” as it oversees one of Uganda’s most significant democratic processes.

Source: The Electoral Commission of Uganda
Website: www.ec.or.ug
Ref: ADM72/01