The Electoral Commission (EC) has released the official polling dates for the 2026 General Elections, marking the beginning of the countdown to a nationwide vote that will determine the country’s next President, Members of Parliament, and Local Government leaders.
According to a press statement issued by EC Chairperson, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the elections will be held between 15th January and 6th February 2026, in line with Article 61(2) of the Constitution, which mandates the Commission to conduct elections within the first 30 days of the last 122 days of the term of office of the President.
The Presidential and Parliamentary elections — covering directly elected Members of Parliament and District Woman Representatives — will take place on 15th January 2026. Elections for various Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Local Government leaders will follow in a phased schedule.
The National Conference for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and elections for SIG councillors at Sub-county, Town, and Municipal Division levels will be held on 19th January 2026. Elections for SIG councillors at Municipality and City Division levels will take place on 20th January 2026, followed by the National Conference for Workers’ Representatives on 21st January 2026.
District and City Local Government elections, including those for District Chairpersons, Lord Mayors, and Councillors, are scheduled for 22nd January 2026, while Municipality and City Division elections will be held on 27th January 2026. On 28th January 2026, National Conferences for Female Youth Representatives, Female Older Persons Representatives, and UPDF Representatives to Parliament will take place. District and City SIG councillor elections will follow on 29th January 2026.
The Regional Conferences for Older Persons Representatives are scheduled for 2nd February 2026, while elections for Sub-county, Town, and Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors will be conducted on 4th February 2026. The electoral calendar will conclude with the Regional Conferences for Youth Representatives to Parliament on 6th February 2026.
Justice Byabakama urged all political actors and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the polling timetable and regulations to ensure a smooth electoral process. “All candidates, their agents, supporters, election observers, and the general public are reminded to observe the respective dates and participate in accordance with the guidelines for polling for the respective elective positions,” said Justice Byabakama.
The Electoral Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting regular, free, fair, and transparent elections in accordance with the Constitution and Uganda’s electoral laws. The release of the polling schedule officially signals the start of the 2026 election roadmap, with key preparatory activities — including nomination, campaign, and voter education — expected to follow in the coming months.
