06/01/2026
*Electoral Commission Receives Third Consignment of Ballots*
*By Joseph Ssuuna*
The Electoral Commission (EC) received the third consignment of ballot papers at Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday, 6th January, signalling that preparations for Uganda’s 2026 general elections are firmly on schedule for the January 15 kickoff.
The arrival of 246 pallets from Dubai marks a pivotal milestone in the electoral roadmap. During a press briefing at the airport, Julius Mucunguzi, the EC’s Head of Public Relations, confirmed that the shipment includes 65 pallets for District/City Chairperson elections and 181 pallets for District Directly Elected Councillors.
"This consignment confirms that, as of today, the Commission is in full possession of all ballot papers required for the conduct of elections for the Presidency, Members of Parliament, District Woman Representatives, District/ City Chairpersons, and both District Woman and Directly Elected Councillors," Mucunguzi stated.
The sensitive materials are being transferred to EC warehouses for subsquent packaging and distribution to over 50,000 polling stations nationwide. Mucunguzi also noted that additional consignments from South Africa, Greece, and Kenya are expected by the end of the week, ensuring all logistics align with the Commission's published timelines.
To ensure a transparent process, the EC has outlined strict protocols for election day. Polling will occur between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with a guarantee that any voter remaining in the queue at closing time will be allowed to cast their vote. Central to the integrity of the 2026 polls is the mandatory use of Biometric Voter Verification Kits.
Every voter must be verified biometrically before receiving a ballot. While voters are encouraged to present a National ID or voter registration slip, Mucunguzi clarified that the Voters' Register remains the definitive authority. "Even if you lack these documents, as long as you are on the register, you will be verified," he explained, adding that facial recognition technology will serve as a backup for those with fingerprint identification issues.
Further security measures include the scanning of each ballot paper prior to casting to ensure it is assigned to that specific polling station. Following the close of polls, the EC will use biometric data and physical booklets to cross-reference the number of votes cast, preventing the introduction of illegitimate ballots.
"We caution Ugandans: Do not attempt to vote without biometric verification, and avoid bringing any illegitimate ballot papers to polling stations," Mucunguzi warned, describing the measures as essential for maintaining the credibility of the results.
The Commission has concluded the recruitment and training of necessary staff including presiding officers, polling assistants, and security constables. Additionally, the EC reminded media houses that only accredited journalists who have met all regulatory requirements will be granted access to polling stations and tallying centres.
With just days remaining until the polls open, the Commission maintains that its systems are ready to deliver a smooth and efficient democratic exercise for all Ugandans.