Kampala, Uganda – The Electoral Commission of Uganda today outlined significant steps in its preparations for the 2026 General Elections, announcing the deployment of advanced biometric technology and adjustments to the polling calendar for special interest groups.
In a statement delivered by the Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the Commission confirmed it has acquired 109,142 Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVK) to be used across all polling stations. The system will employ fingerprint and facial recognition to authenticate voters, aiming to uphold the “one-person, one-vote” principle and prevent multiple voting or impersonation.
“The system will enable the Commission to ensure that only registered persons vote during the elections and that such persons do not vote more than once,” Justice Byabakama stated.
The Commission also announced adjusted polling dates for elections of Special Interest Group (SIG) representatives at parliamentary and local government levels. Key changes include moving the National Conference for Persons with Disabilities representatives from 19 January to 3 February 2026, and rescheduling the election of Workers’ Representatives to Parliament from 21 January to 19 January 2026.
The adjustments are intended to allow voters in these categories to participate in both universal suffrage elections and their respective electoral college polls.
In another voter-friendly measure, the Commission has begun issuing Voter Location Slips (VLS) nationwide, a free document that helps voters identify their assigned polling station. The slips, which include a photograph, personal details, and a scannable barcode, will be distributed until 13 January 2026. The barcode will be compatible with the new biometric verification machines.
“This is a response to complaints raised in past elections, where some voters reported difficulty in locating their polling stations,” Justice Byabakama explained.
During a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Commission’s offices in Kampala, a live demonstration of the Biometric Voter Verification System was conducted. The event aimed to build public confidence, enhance transparency, and familiarise political parties, civil society, observers, and the media with the new technology.
The Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting “regular free and fair elections and referenda,” and urged all registered voters to collect their Voter Location Slips in person from their parish or ward supervisors.
