EC Says Ready for 2026 Elections, Warns Public Against Fake Voter Websites

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that it has completed all key preparations for the 2026 General Elections and is now in the final phase of organising polling, according to Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

Speaking to the media at the EC headquarters on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, Justice Byabakama stated that all activities on the election roadmap so far – including voter registration updates, display of the voters’ register, nomination of candidates, and campaigns – have been completed.

“This country has reached the final lap of the 2025/2026 General Elections roadmap,” Byabakama said as he addressed journalists on the last day of the year.

EC Thanks Stakeholders

The EC chairperson thanked the government, Parliament, political parties, the media, civil society organisations, religious and cultural institutions, security agencies and EC staff for supporting the electoral process.

He said government funding and Parliament’s approval of election-related laws and budgets had enabled the Commission to carry out its work.

Election Officials Trained, Observers Accredited

Justice Byabakama said the Commission has recruited and trained election officials at national, district and polling station levels to ensure elections are conducted professionally and transparently.

He added that the accreditation of both local and international election observers is ongoing, demonstrating EC’s commitment to openness and accountability.

The Commission has also handled most complaints that arose during the nomination of candidates, in line with the law.

BVVK Use Now Mandatory

The EC chairperson reminded the public that the Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK) will be mandatory during voting to prevent fraud and ensure only registered voters cast ballots.

He noted that the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has signed a legal instrument reinforcing the mandatory use of the machines.

Warning Against Sharing Voter Details Online

Justice Byabakama warned against the growing practice of sharing names, photos or personal details of voters online.

“Any complaints about the voters’ register should be reported directly to the Electoral Commission,” he said, warning that spreading unverified information amounts to misinformation and violates privacy laws.

Ballot Papers Already in the Country

The EC confirmed that ballot papers and declaration of results forms for the Presidential, Directly Elected MPs, and District Woman MPs have already arrived in Uganda from international printers.

He said the delivery was witnessed by political party representatives, candidates, the media and election observers.

Packing of election materials is ongoing, while dispatch of ballot boxes, solar lamps and other equipment to districts has already started.

EC Warns Against Fake Website

Justice Byabakama issued a strong warning against an unauthorised website, www.registry.ugtally.com, which is being promoted as a platform for checking voter details.

“The website is not affiliated with the Electoral Commission and is not authorised,” he said.

He cautioned Ugandans not to visit the site or submit personal information, warning that it may contain misleading information and pose risks to users.

The EC said only its official website – www.ec.or.ug/register – should be used to verify voter registration details and polling stations.

The Commission has written to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to guide on action against the unauthorised platform.

Presidential Candidates to Receive Voters’ Register

Justice Byabakama also announced that all presidential candidates will be issued with hard copies of the photo-bearing National Voters’ Register, which contains details of 21.6 million registered voters across 50,739 polling stations.

He said the register will help candidates ensure that only eligible voters vote at the correct polling stations.

He clarified that any voter whose name and photo appear on the register will be allowed to vote, even without a national ID.

Call for Peaceful Campaigns

As campaigns enter the final weeks, the EC chairperson appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to maintain peace and respect the law before, during and after polling.

“The Commission remains committed to delivering free, fair and credible elections,” he said.

Justice Byabakama wished Ugandans a happy new year and urged all citizens to play their part in ensuring peaceful and successful elections.