The Electoral Commission (EC), led by Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, has received the first batch of 60,000 Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) at Entebbe International Airport following their arrival in the country last night.
The kits will be used during the 2026 General Elections to biometrically verify every voter before polling. This milestone underscores the Commission’s commitment to transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
“The verification machines will prevent ballot stuffing and ensure one man, one vote,” Justice Byabakama said.
The presidential vote will mark the beginning of a broader election cycle that includes parliamentary and local government elections, scheduled to continue through February 2026.
Justice Byabakama urged Ugandans to remain peaceful throughout the electoral process.
The incumbent Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Museveni, flag bearer for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), will face seven other presidential candidates, including Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and James Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Others in the race are Maj. Gen. 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, Frank Kabinga Bulira of the Reform Party of Uganda, and Robert Kasibante of the National People’s Party (NPP).
Tensions remain high between opposition parties and the ruling government, but observers hope the electoral process will serve as a test of Uganda’s commitment to democratic principles.
As the countdown to January 15 begins, all eyes are on the campaign trail and the Electoral Commission to ensure transparency, security, and fairness in a vote that could shape Uganda’s political trajectory for years to come.
Observers say the likely rematch between Museveni and Bobi Wine is expected to dominate the national political conversation, reigniting debates around leadership, democracy, and Uganda’s future.
In the last presidential election held on January 14, 2021, 11 candidates contested the presidency. Of the 18,103,603 registered voters, 10,350,819 cast their ballots, representing a 57.2% voter turnout. President Museveni won with 6,042,898 votes (58.38%), while Bobi Wine came second with 3,631,437 votes (35.08%).
The result extended Museveni’s tenure beyond four decades, cementing his position as one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
