Opposition parties are sharply divided over how to proceed after the Electoral Commission (EC) failed to meet key milestones in its 2026 elections roadmap.
Despite setting the timeline itself, the EC has fallen behind on critical preparations for the general elections, sparking growing concerns and debates within the opposition.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), led by its Katonga faction, has called for a postponement of the 2026 elections.
In contrast, other opposition parties, while criticizing the Commission’s inefficiency, have pledged to participate in the elections regardless of the disarray.
The FDC's Katonga faction has raised alarm over the EC’s failure to stick to its own schedule.
“The Electoral Commission has failed to make the necessary preparations for the elections,” said Waswa Birigwa, the FDC’s Katonga faction chairman.
“Under these conditions, it is impossible to hold a credible election, and we are calling for a delay.”
The concern is compounded by the Commission's recent announcement that it will rely on 2014 census data to prepare for the 2026 polls, despite having access to preliminary figures from the 2024 population census.
This decision has left many Ugandans and political players baffled and frustrated.
“The Commission’s decision to rely on outdated census data is not only a failure of planning, but a direct threat to the credibility of the upcoming election,” said Saddaam Gayira, president of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
“This is not the way to prepare for a free and fair election.”
In contrast to FDC’s position, the National Unity Platform (NUP) and PPP have expressed their commitment to participating in the 2026 elections despite the current disorganization.
“We will take part in the election as long as the process is not completely abandoned,” said Waiswa Mufumbiro, NUP’s Deputy Spokesperson.
“While we acknowledge the Electoral Commission's shortcomings, abandoning the election would be an even greater mistake.”
PPP’s Saddaam Gayira echoed this sentiment, stating, “While we are concerned about the mismanagement of the process, we will not back out of the elections. The people’s right to vote cannot be postponed indefinitely.”
Tensions are also rising over the involvement of security forces in the electoral process. The recent by-election in Kawempe saw a heavy presence of security personnel, raising fears of increased militarization in future elections, especially those for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“We cannot ignore the increased role of the military and police in electoral matters,” warned Waiswa Mufumbiro.
“This is something we will continue to monitor closely, as it risks undermining the integrity of the election.”
The opposition has raised concerns about the potential for the security forces to exert undue influence during elections, as seen in the Kawempe by-election.
Despite the mounting opposition criticism, members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have remained optimistic.
Barnabas Tinkasimire, an NRM member, expressed confidence that the Electoral Commission still has time to meet its obligations.
“The Commission has time to put things in order. What it needs is transparency and openness to regain the public’s trust,” he said.
According to the EC's current electoral roadmap, the national voter register is expected to be displayed at polling stations this month, including those for the upcoming special interest group elections.
However, some opposition members have pointed out that the current roadmap is one month shorter than the one for the 2021 elections, raising suspicions that the timeline has been deliberately compressed to allow more flexibility for the Commission.
As the election season draws nearer, the question of whether the EC can deliver a credible election in 2026 remains uncertain.