By Kabuye Ronald
Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC) has commenced the nationwide dispatch of critical voter materials, including ballot papers and election equipment, as preparations gather pace for the 2026 general elections.
In a year-end statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission confirmed that it has begun receiving and distributing consignments of ballot papers and Declaration of Results forms printed by contracted security firms abroad, signalling a key milestone in its election readiness.
The EC reported that ballot papers for the presidential election, directly elected Members of Parliament, and district woman representatives have already been delivered. The receipt and handling of the sensitive materials were conducted under the observation of representatives of presidential candidates, political parties, the media, and accredited election observers.
According to the Commission, packing of generic polling materials has been completed, while work on non-generic items is ongoing. Generic materials include pens, indelible ink, tamper-proof envelopes, report books, oath forms, and other essential supplies required at polling stations.
The EC further disclosed that transparent ballot boxes, cordoning tapes, basins, and solar lamps have already been dispatched to all districts and cities. Meanwhile, the packing of ballot papers and copies of the National Voters’ Register for each polling station is underway in preparation for polling day for both presidential and parliamentary elections.
“The Commission has commenced packing of the National Voters Register and ballot papers for each respective polling station ahead of dispatch for polling day,” the statement said.
Uganda is scheduled to hold general elections in early 2026, covering presidential, parliamentary, and local government contests.
EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama said the early distribution of election materials is intended to minimise logistical challenges experienced in previous elections, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
The Commission also reaffirmed that the use of biometric voter verification kits will be mandatory on polling day, stressing that the measure is crucial to protecting the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that only duly registered voters cast ballots.
As the campaign period continues, the EC urged all political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with electoral laws, while assuring the public that preparations for the 2026 polls remain firmly on course.
