The Electoral Commission (EC) has adjusted polling dates for elections of Special Interest Group (SIG) representatives at parliamentary and local government levels to prevent clashes with the 2026 general elections and ensure inclusive participation.
Announcing the changes on Wednesday, December 17, at the EC offices in Kampala, Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the revisions aim to allow members of SIGs to fully participate in both the general elections under universal adult suffrage and their respective electoral college processes.
Under the revised schedule, the National Conference for electing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) representatives to Parliament, initially set for January 19, 2026, will now be held on February 3, 2026.
Councillor elections for SIGs—including youth, older persons, and PWDs—at sub-county, town, and municipal division levels have been moved from January 19 to January 30, 2026.
The National Conference for electing workers’ representatives to Parliament has been brought forward from January 21 to January 19, 2026, while the National Female Youth Representative election is rescheduled from January 28 to February 6, 2026.
In addition, Regional Conferences for electing Regional Youth Representatives to Parliament, previously set for February 6, 2026, will now take place on January 28, 2026.
Justice Byabakama explained that the adjustments were made to avoid overlapping electoral activities and ensure that SIG members are not disenfranchised.
“The Commission has made these adjustments to enable members of the affected categories to participate in the general elections and, at the same time, effectively engage in their respective electoral college elections,” he said.
The EC chairperson emphasised that the changes apply only to the specified SIG elections, with polling dates for all other elective positions remaining unchanged.
He urged political actors, SIG electoral colleges, and stakeholders to adhere to the updated calendar to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
The Electoral Commission said the broader electoral roadmap toward the 2026 polls remains on course, with the adjustments reflecting administrative fine-tuning rather than a change in the overall election schedule.