With just a few days to go before Uganda’s 15 January 2026 General Election, the Electoral Commission (EC) has commenced a phased nationwide distribution of election materials as part of its preparations for the upcoming polls.
On Thursday, the EC led by Justice Simon Byabakama dispatched the first batch of generic voting materials to 12 districts from its warehouse as part of the first phase of distribution for the 2026 General Elections.
The materials are designated for use on polling day for the Presidential, Directly Elected Member of Parliament, and District Woman Member of Parliament elections. These materials include essential supplies used at polling stations, such as ballot boxes, forms, and other non‑candidate-specific items.
The Commission has explained that the phased rollout of materials is a logistical measure intended to ensure that all supplies reach their designated district stores in good time ahead of polling day. Security personnel are deployed to accompany the movement and storage of these items to maintain accountability.
EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama has stated that the staggered dispatch is part of normal election preparations and aimed at ensuring that all polling stations are fully equipped ahead of voting day.
In line with the Commission’s election technology plans, Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) will be deployed at polling stations across the country. These devices are designed to assist polling officials in verifying a voter’s identity using biometric data such as fingerprints or facial recognition before a ballot paper is issued. The EC has acquired a substantial number of these kits for use in the 2026 elections and continues training personnel to operate them effectively.
Alongside material distribution, the EC has been issuing Voter Location Slips (VLS) to registered voters. These slips include information about a voter’s polling station and a barcode that interfaces with the biometric verification system. The voter-location exercise began in mid-December 2025 and is ongoing, with supervisors facilitating the process at parish or ward levels ahead of polling day.
As part of public information efforts, the Electoral Commission has outlined how election results will be announced at polling stations immediately after counting and then transmitted to district tally centers in accordance with legal requirements.
The EC emphasizes that all logistics preparations, including material dispatch, BVVK deployment, and training of election officials, are progressing with the aim of ensuring the election is conducted on 15 January 2026. Officials have reiterated their commitment to fulfilling the legal mandate to organise and conduct the elections within the constitutional timeline.
Email:homelandnewspaper@gmail.com
