The Uganda Times

02/12/2025

Electoral Commission Seeks Additional Funding for 2025/2026 Elections.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has submitted a fresh request for additional funding ahead of the 2025/2026 General Elections, citing new requirements arising from the planned splitting of polling stations and the adoption of advanced biometric technology.

According to a detailed breakdown of the Commission’s needs, the EC is seeking over UGX 1.197 trillion to cover the cost of splitting polling stations across the country. This process will create 15,256 additional polling stations, increasing the number of polling officials, election materials, and logistical demands. The Commission notes that these new costs are unavoidable, given the need to reduce congestion and improve efficiency on polling day.

In addition, the EC requires UGX 2.4 billion for the gazetting of polling stations, a statutory obligation that officially publishes the locations of all polling centers. Another UGX 1.2 billion has been requested for the newspaper publication of polling stations, a public awareness measure to guide eligible voters on where they are expected to cast their ballots. Both items arise directly from the increased number of polling stations.

A major component of the funding request is the UGX 268.3 billion needed for the acquisition of the Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK). The Commission notes that earlier assumptions suggested UGX 53.874 billion would be secured, but enhanced technological requirements for polling day have pushed the figure much higher.

The EC is also seeking UGX 19.6 billion for the acquisition of a deduplication system, a technology designed to identify and eliminate multiple entries of the same individual in the voters’ register. The system is essential for ensuring credibility and accuracy in the biometric verification era and is listed as a new requirement necessitated by mandatory biometric authentication.

The funding request highlights the scale and complexity of the upcoming electoral process as Uganda prepares for the 2026 polls. If approved, the additional resources will enable the Commission to manage increased polling stations, strengthen voter verification, and uphold the integrity of the voters’ register.

01/12/2025

The Ministry of Works and Transport is seeking a UGX1.696 Trillion supplementary request where in contains UGX422.264 Billion as initial payment for the purchase of 10 aircrafts for the Uganda Airlines.

The request was made by Gen Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport while appearing before Parliament’s Budget Committee on 1st December 2025, during the consideration of the of the supplementary schedule two, ahead of its consideration by Parliament in tomorrow’s plenary sitting.

01/12/2025

Ugandan Gen Z Host Museveni for Youth Jobs Talk at Rwakitura.

Unstoppable UG, a youth-led group launched last month, brought Gen Z voices to Museveni for a live chat on jobs, startups, innovation, and taxes.

With over 70% of Ugandans under 30 facing high unemployment, panelists like entrepreneur Ratifah Sekyema raised real questions from everyday struggles, such as a small business owner hit by high taxes.

The outdoor event at Rwakitura drew media coverage and unfolded this afternoon, offering young people a direct line to hear plans for their future amid 2026 election preparations.

26/11/2025

The Anti-Corruption Court has summoned the former Trade Ministry Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali, after she failed to appear for the mention of a Shs3.8 billion fraud case in which she is jointly charged with three Members of Parliament (MPs) and other officials.

24/11/2025

UPDATE: Hundreds of NRM supporters have started flocking to Kabirizi Playground in Rubanda Town Council, Rubanda District, ahead of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's campaign rally this afternoon.

24/11/2025

Please be advised the videos circulating on social media intended to blackmail Dr. Hamis Kiggundu

We urge the public not to entertain negativity or misinformation. Treat it as fake.

22/11/2025

Mulago Hospital Launches First Cardiac MRI Service to Improve Heart Disease Diagnosis

21/11/2025

Nakivubo Channel Downstream — Steady Water Flow, Real Progress.

19/11/2025

Recounting Besigye’s One-Year Incarceration: How a Court Martial Battle Shifted to Civilian Court

Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale have spent over a year in detention after facing security-related charges.

19/11/2025

President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Dr. Badru Kiggundu as the new Chancellor of Busitema University. Dr. Kiggundu is known for his tenure as the Chairman of the Electoral Commission. As Chancellor, Dr. Kiggundu will serve as the titular head of Busitema University, presiding over ceremonies like graduation and conferring degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

Busitema University is a multi-campus public university with its main campus in Busitema, Busia District. It also has other campuses in Nagongera (Tororo), Mbale, Pallisa, Arapai (Soroti), and Namasagali (Kamuli).

16/11/2025

16/11/2025

Ruto on Museveni’s Influence & the Indian Ocean Debate🇰🇪🇺🇬

President William Ruto has praised President Yoweri Museveni as “a great father of East Africa,” saying he has no intention of creating conflict over comments Museveni made about the Indian Ocean.

According to Ruto, risking lives over an ocean that has existed long before humanity makes no sense, and regional unity is more important than unnecessary tensions.