EC Confirms 2026 Election Dates for President, MPs and Local Councils
According to a detailed schedule released by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, the pivotal elections for President and Members of Parliament (directly-elected MP and District Woman Representative) are slated for Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The Electoral Commission of Uganda has officially announced the comprehensive polling dates for the 2026 General Elections, setting the stage for a staggered electoral process that will determine the country’s leadership from the presidency down to local government councils.
According to a detailed schedule released by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, the pivotal elections for President and Members of Parliament (directly-elected MP and District Woman Representative) are slated for Thursday, January 15, 2026.
This announcement, made in line with Article 61(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, kicks off a busy electoral calendar that extends into early February 2026, encompassing a wide array of elective positions and special interest groups.
The staggered schedule is designed to facilitate the complex process of electing leaders across different tiers of government and representation. Key dates include:
- January 15, 2026: Elections of the President and Members of Parliament (Directly-elected MP and District Woman Representative to Parliament).
- January 19, 2026: National Conference for Election of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Representatives to Parliament, and Election of Councillors representing Special Interest Groups (Youths; Older Persons and PWDs) at Sub County/Town/Municipal Division.
- January 20, 2026: Election of Councillors representing Special Interest Groups (Youths; Older Persons and PWDs) at Municipality/City Division.
- January 21, 2026: National Conference for Election of Workers Representatives to Parliament.
- January 22, 2026: Elections of District Local Government Councils: District/City Chairpersons, Lord Mayor, Mayors, and Councillors.
- January 27, 2026: Elections of Municipality/City Division Chairpersons and Councillors.
- January 28, 2026: National Conference for Election of National Female Youth Representative to Parliament; National Conference for Election of National Female Older Persons Representative to Parliament; and Army Council Meeting for Election of UPDF Representatives to Parliament.
- January 29, 2026: Election of Councillors representing Special Interest Groups (Youths; Older Persons and PWDs) at District/City.
- February 2, 2026: Regional Conference for Election of Older Persons Representatives to Parliament.
- February 4, 2026: Elections of Sub County/Town/Municipal Division Chairpersons and Councillors.
- February 6, 2026: Regional Conferences for Election of Regional Youths Representatives to Parliament.
In the official communication, Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon called upon “All 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.”
This comprehensive electoral roadmap underscores the mammoth task ahead for the Electoral Commission and all stakeholders involved in ensuring a smooth and transparent democratic process for Uganda’s 2026 General Elections. Political parties are expected to intensify their preparations, while civil society organizations and observer groups will closely monitor the implementation of the electoral calendar.
