The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) has officially commenced construction of its new national headquarters and storage facilities on a 10-acre site in Lubowa-Lweza, Wakiso District, marking a key milestone in the country’s preparations for the 2026 general elections.
The groundbreaking ceremony follows a directive from President Museveni to relocate the Commission’s offices from their former premises on Jinja Road in Kampala to a more secure and expansive site.
Justice Simon Byabakama, EC Chairperson, highlighted the strategic importance of the new headquarters during the ceremony, emphasizing its role in supporting critical functions such as information and communication technology upgrades and enhanced infrastructure.
“This centre will be central to our operations, including hosting presidential nominations scheduled for September 2025,” Byabakama said.
“With construction costs exceeding Shs 150 billion and a timeline of less than two years, this facility represents a major investment in Uganda’s democratic process.”
Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Nobert Mao noted the significance of the land acquisition, pointing out that President Museveni rejected a previously proposed swampy site, leading to the current 10-acre location in Lubowa.
He called on all Ugandans to support the Electoral Commission’s efforts in delivering credible, transparent, and efficient elections in 2026.
The EC has also invested in modernizing electoral infrastructure, acquiring biometric voter verification machines and other technology aimed at enhancing the integrity and efficiency of the upcoming polls.
Construction of the new headquarters, which began in 2022, is poised to transform electoral operations by providing a centralized hub for the Commission’s activities, strengthening Uganda’s democratic institutions ahead of the next election cycle.