The Electoral Commission (EC) has today officially opened its new permanent headquarters in Lweza, Lubowa, off Entebbe Road, where presidential nominations will take place on Tuesday next week.
The site, developed by the National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC), has completed its first phase, enabling the EC to host the forthcoming nominations. Construction will resume after the nominations and general elections are concluded.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Justice Simon Byabakama, chairperson of the Electoral Commission, expressed his gratitude for the new facility.
“This is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to ensuring Ugandans and politicians can exercise their democratic rights. I commend the NHCC for their remarkable work in completing the first phase of this site in time for the presidential nominations. I assure the public that these nominations will proceed smoothly without any interference,” he said.
In a related development, the EC has rescheduled the start of presidential campaigns from 4 October to 29 September. This change, the EC stated, allows candidates to begin their campaigns earlier, as parliamentary aspirants will commence theirs on 15 October. The adjustment aims to streamline the electoral process and provide candidates with ample time to prepare.
Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, the Minister for Works and Transport, explained the strategic choice of the Lubowa location, citing heavy traffic congestion on Kampala’s Jinja Road and the unavailability of Namboole Stadium due to Confederation of African Football (CAF) restrictions. He urged Ugandans to maintain peace as the general elections approach.
“Politics should not divide us. Let each person support their candidate, but remember we are all Ugandans. Uganda is a peaceful nation, and we must preserve that peace. These elections should not be a do-or-die affair,” Katumba said.
