Prisoners and Ugandans living in the diaspora are set to miss the upcoming 2026 general election, Daily Star has learned. The revelation was made by Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
The revelation comes barely two weeks to the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.
In June 2020, the High Court ruled that Ugandans aged 18 and above, including those in prisons and the diaspora, have the right to vote. The court found it illegal and unconstitutional for the Electoral Commission to exclude these groups from the voters’ register.
The court stated that the Commission’s failure to make provisions for these categories amounted to discrimination. At the time, the Commission argued that it was too late to register these groups for the 2021 elections but promised to implement the court’s ruling for the 2026 elections.
“We hope that Parliament will make the necessary legal amendments to enable prisoners—whether on death row, serving life sentences, or otherwise—and Ugandans abroad to participate in elections,” he said.
Byabakama explained that the Commission is not permitted to establish polling stations within prison facilities, nor are candidates allowed to campaign inside prison premises.
“For Ugandans in the diaspora, the law only allows voting at polling stations located in the parish of one’s residence or origin, all of which are within Uganda.To participate in the elections under current law, they must return home.” he said.
Presidential campaigns will run from September 29, 2025, to January 12, 2026, while parliamentary campaigns will be held from September 23, 2025, to January 12, 2026.
