Electoral Commission Shifts Presidential and Parliamentary Polling Date to January 15, 2026
Kampala: The Electoral Commission (E.C) Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, has announced a change in the date for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections from January 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026.
Addressing the media today at the E.C. headquarters, Justice Byabakama also issued a stern warning to parliamentary candidates against engaging in early campaigns before the official campaign period, which begins on November 10, 2025.
“We urge all parliamentary aspirants to respect the electoral roadmap and avoid premature campaigns. They should emulate the discipline exhibited by presidential candidates,” Justice Byabakama emphasized.
The E.C. chairperson further noted that the commission is committed to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
Meanwhile, Julius Mucunguzi, the E.C. spokesperson, while speaking at a one-day workshop on election reporting for journalists from the South Western Electoral Region on Tuesday at Hotel Triangle, Mbarara, reiterated the change in polling dates and highlighted key campaign guidelines.
He reminded candidates that campaigns will officially start on November 10, 2025, and stressed that Candidates are free to meet their supporters but processions will not be allowed adding that Police will be informed to enforce campaign regulations.
He added that Journalists must uphold the highest levels of professionalism and avoid spreading false information during this critical electoral period.
Mucunguzi also assured the public that the commission does not expect internet disruptions like those experienced during previous nomination exercises for local government elections.
He further cautioned parliamentary aspirants against presenting forged academic documents during nominations.
“After nominations, candidates are not expected to hold any campaign activities until November 10, which is the official campaign start date,” he emphasized.
