The Electoral Commission has officially set January 15, 2026, as the date for Uganda’s next presidential election, confirming the timeline for what many expected to be a highly contested vote.
Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson, announced the date today at the commission’s headquarters in Industrial Area, Kampala.
“The Presidential Polling date shall be 15th January 2026. All campaigns will stop 48 hours prior to the Polling date,” Justice Byabakama said.
The January 15 vote will initiate a broader electoral period, including parliamentary and local elections running into early February.
“We call on all Ugandans to engage peacefully and exercise their democratic rights,” the EC Chairperson added.
Addressing journalists, Byabakama outlined the election roadmap, noting that nominations have concluded and campaigns began in October.
The announcement, widely shared on X and other social media, has stirred nationwide interest. From Kampala markets to rural villages, citizens are preparing for a decisive moment in Uganda’s democratic process, with hashtags like #UgandaVotes2026 trending online.
Currently, eight presidential candidates are currently campaigning, seven aiming to replace incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
Those in the race include President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP), James Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP), Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga of the Common Man’s Party (CMP), Frank Kabinga Bulira of the Reform Party of Uganda (RPP), and Robert Kasibante of the National People’s Party (NPP).
