The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially designated January 15, 2026, as the polling day for presidential and parliamentary elections. The elections had been scheduled for January 12.
During a press conference, Simon Byabakama, the EC chairperson, said campaigns will end on January 13, 2026.
He said the presidential campaigns had been peaceful so far.
Starting October 22 until October 23, the EC will commence nominations for MPs, including both women and directly elected representatives.
Nominations for representatives of special interest groups, such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), workers, and youth, will take place at the EC headquarters on the same dates. However, nominations for representatives of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will be conducted at a later date.
The commission cautioned political parties against endorsing multiple candidates for a single position.
“All political parties should harmonise their candidate selections before approaching the Electoral Commission,” Byabakama stated.
The commission has also urged candidates to refrain from using offensive language during election campaigns.
Additionally, Byabakama said, only two vehicles, each carrying not more than 20 occupants, are authorised by the police for campaign activities.
Following reports of the deaths of nominated local government candidates, Byabakama said the EC has scheduled fresh nominations for 27 and 28 October 2025.
He said the use of money to influence voters is strictly prohibited. He said the commission is currently handling more than 200 petitions from across the country.
Byabakama said civil servants intending to contest for elections must resign as the law stipulates.
