Let’s take a deep dive into Uganda’s 2026 General Election budget—a record Shs838.7 billion proposal by the Electoral Commission. With this being one of the most expensive election budgets in Uganda’s history, critical questions arise: Why does the cost of elections continue to soar despite persistent electoral flaws? is this budget justifiable? We break it all down now for you.
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has tabled a staggering Shs838.7 billion budget for the 2026 General Elections, a 20% increase from the Shs690 billion spent in 2021.
According to EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, this funding will cover voter registration, ballot paper printing, election-day logistics, security, and other administrative costs.
The EC’s budget is spread across multiple financial years, with Shs594.9 billion allocated for the fiscal year 2025/2026. However, a worrying Shs179.7 billion funding gap remains unaccounted for.
Officials warn that if this shortfall is not covered, critical election processes could be compromised.
But this raises an even bigger question—why do Uganda’s elections continue to be riddled with logistical and credibility challenges despite increased spending?
Uganda’s election costs have steadily risen over the past two decades. In 2006, the elections cost approximately Shs200 billion. By 2016, this figure had more than doubled to Shs419 billion, before jumping to Shs690 billion in 2021.
Now, with the 2026 budget nearing Shs1 trillion, concerns are mounting about election financing efficiency.
Experts argue that Uganda’s elections remain among the most expensive in Africa, yet they fail to meet international credibility standards. Electoral observers and civil society organisations have repeatedly criticised the process for excessive military presence, voter suppression, and allegations of vote rigging.
So, where exactly does this money go? A breakdown of previous budgets shows that a significant portion is spent on security, allowances for polling officials, logistics, and voter education.
However, some analysts believe inflated procurement costs and corruption contribute to the spiraling expenses.
One of the most contentious issues surrounding the 2026 elections is the EC’s decision to rely on data from the 2014 National Census, rather than waiting for the updated figures from the 2024 Census.
Justice Simon Byabakama told Parliament’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee that the EC cannot use the 2024 census data because the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has not finalized it.
The delay, he said, leaves the EC with no choice but to use decade-old data to update the voter register and demarcate constituencies.
This revelation has sparked outrage among opposition leaders, civil society groups, and political analysts. Many argue that using outdated data could disenfranchise thousands of voters, particularly in areas that have seen significant population shifts in the past 10 years.
Can we talk about the legality of this approach. The Constitution requires accurate and fair representation in Parliament. How can you fairly allocate constituencies and polling stations using numbers from 10 years ago
Meanwhile, critics accuse UBOS of failing to release the census data on time, further undermining the electoral process. With elections just over a year away, the lack of updated statistics could deepen mistrust in the credibility of the 2026 polls.
With a history of contested elections, Uganda’s electoral system is already facing a credibility crisis. The reliance on old census data adds another layer of doubt. Experts warn that this could lead to:
Some regions have experienced rapid population growth, while others have seen declines. Relying on 2014 figures means that constituencies may not reflect actual demographic realities.
New eligible voters may be left out, while deceased individuals may still be on the voter register, increasing the risk of voter fraud.
Election materials and polling stations may be disproportionately distributed, further disadvantaging certain regions.
Is this a deliberate attempt to rig elections before they even begin? You cannot plan a credible election with data that is 10 years old.
There are two key players in this data debacle: the Electoral Commission and UBOS.
The EC defends its position, arguing that it can only work with available statistics. However, critics argue that the commission should have pressured UBOS to expedite the release of updated census data.
UBOS, on the other hand, has been silent about the delay. It remains unclear why, despite conducting the national census in 2024, final results have not yet been published.
Could there be political interference? Some opposition politicians believe so, suggesting that delaying the release of accurate population data could be a tactic to manipulate constituency boundaries in favor of the ruling party.
But what does this mean for election credibility? And is Uganda heading for yet another disputed election?
We are seeing a pattern where elections are becoming more expensive yet remain deeply flawed. This is not just about money; it is about political will. If the government truly wanted a free and fair election, these concerns would have been addressed much earlier.
If you are determining voter representation using incorrect figures, aren’t you violating the principles of democratic governance. This could open the EC to legal challenges.
On the streets of Kampala, public frustration is palpable. Many Ugandans express disappointment that despite the heavy financial burden of elections, transparency and credibility remain elusive.
In contrast, ruling party supporters defend the budget, arguing that elections in any democracy require significant resources.
As Uganda inches closer to the 2026 General Elections, critical questions demand urgent answers:
- How will the Shs179.7 billion budget deficit be resolved? If not addressed, will the shortfall compromise vital election processes, such as voter education and logistical preparations?
- Can Uganda afford such an expensive election amid economic struggles? With rising public debt and social service demands, should taxpayers bear this financial burden?
- Is the delayed release of the 2024 Census data a result of political interference? If so, what are the implications for fairness in constituency demarcation and voter registration?
- Will the 2026 elections break the cycle of controversy? Or will Uganda once again find itself grappling with electoral disputes, allegations of malpractice, and questions of legitimacy?