With exactly three days remaining until the January 15 general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has entered its most critical operational phase. Today, Monday, January 12, 2026, the Commission convened a high-level briefing for local and international election observers at its headquarters in Kampala. The session served as a final synchronization of expectations, with Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson, emphasizing that the credibility of the polls rests on a foundation of strict adherence to the law and logistical precision. As the eyes of the international community turn toward Uganda, the EC has moved to fortify the transparency of the process while simultaneously tightening control over the conduct at polling stations to prevent the chaos that has marred previous cycles.
The Observer Briefing: A Call for Impartiality
The briefing brought together representatives from various international bodies, including the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and a specialized delegation of 26 observers from the Forum of Parliaments of Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). Justice Byabakama was unequivocal in his message: observers are partners in democracy, but their role is strictly limited to witnessing, not interfering with, the electoral process.
“The presence of observers provides a layer of confidence to the electorate,” Byabakama stated. “However, that confidence is contingent upon your neutrality. We expect every accredited observer to operate within the guidelines, respecting the sovereignty of the Ugandan voter and the authority of the presiding officers.”
The EC reminded observers that they must wear their official accreditation badges at all times and are prohibited from giving instructions to polling officials or making premature public pronouncements on the outcome of the vote.
Strict Polling Station Rules: “Vote and Go”
Perhaps the most discussed aspect of today’s briefing was the reiteration of the strict rules governing the 35,000+ polling stations across the country. The Commission has reaffirmed the controversial “Vote and Go” policy, a directive supported by the Attorney General and the security forces. Under these rules:
• Mandatory Departure: Voters are required to leave the immediate vicinity of the polling station (a 20-meter radius) as soon as they have cast their ballots.
• Prohibition of Crowds: The EC has banned the gathering of groups at polling stations under the guise of “protecting the vote.” Justice Byabakama clarified that each candidate is allowed two authorized polling agents per station, who are legally empowered to stay and witness the entire process from start to finish.
•Campaigning Ban: All forms of campaigning, including wearing political colors or displaying candidate symbols are strictly forbidden within the polling area.
•Technology Use: While voters are allowed to have phones, the Commission has banned the use of cameras inside the voting booths to protect the secrecy of the ballot.
The “Vote and Go” rule has been met with significant resistance from opposition figures like Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), who has urged his supporters to remain vigilant. However, the EC maintains that this measure is purely for crowd control and to ensure that the elderly and persons with disabilities can access polling stations without intimidation.
Logistics: Reaching the Last Mile
While the policy debates continue in Kampala, the physical machinery of the election is in full motion. Today, the EC confirmed that the distribution of ballot materials has reached the “Last Mile.” Heavy trucks, escorted by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Police, have successfully delivered consignments to the most distant and logistically challenging districts.
Moroto and the Karamoja Sub-region In Moroto, where the terrain and seasonal rains often hamper transport, the EC has utilized specialized all-terrain vehicles to ensure that ballot boxes and Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) reach the sub-counties. The Commission noted that additional security has been deployed in these areas to protect the materials from potential opportunistic raids.
Gomba and the Central Belt Similarly, in Gomba District, materials have been delivered to the office of the District Returning Officer. Local officials confirmed that they have received the full tally of ballot papers for the presidential, parliamentary, and woman representative races. The Commission is now focused on the final distribution from the district headquarters to the specific polling stations, a process that will take place under the cover of night on Wednesday.
Technological Readiness: The Biometric Test
A cornerstone of the 2026 election is the Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS). Today’s briefing included a demonstration of the updated kits, which are designed to prevent multiple voting and ensure that only registered voters can access a ballot.
“The system is robust,” an EC technical officer explained. “We have provided backup batteries and manual registers for every station in case of technical failure, but we are confident that the biometric verification will be the primary safeguard against identity fraud.”
Conclusion
The Road to Thursday The Electoral Commission’s activities today represent the final “checks and balances” before the nation goes to the polls. By briefing observers and securing the logistics for districts as far-flung as Moroto and Gomba, the EC is attempting to demonstrate that it is ready for the monumental task ahead.
However, the true test will not be in the briefings or the delivery trucks, but in the conduct of the millions of Ugandans who will stand in line this Thursday. Between the strict “Vote and Go” rules and the high-tech biometric systems, the 2026 election is set to be one of the most regulated in the country’s history. As Justice Byabakama concluded his briefing today: “The materials are ready, the rules are set, and the choice now belongs to the people.”
