KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has requested a UGX 469.5 billion supplementary budget from Parliament to fortify the integrity and efficiency of the upcoming national polls.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The funds are earmarked for critical technological upgrades and logistical expansions aimed at delivering a more transparent, accessible, and credible 2026 General Election.
The request was formally tabled by Richard Kamugisha, the Acting Secretary of the Commission, during an appearance before the Parliamentary Budget Committee.
The detailed schedule outlines investments designed to address key areas of the electoral process, from voter verification to results transmission.
A central pillar of the budget is the allocation of UGX 268.380 billion for a new, enhanced Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS).
The advanced technology will be deployed at all polling stations to conclusively authenticate voters, drastically reducing the risk of impersonation and bolstering the security of the vote on polling day.
A UGX 19.603 billion investment in a new Deduplication System will identify and eliminate duplicate voter registrations, ensuring a cleaner and more accurate National Voters’ Register.
A major expansion will see the creation of 15,256 new polling stations, a move set to dramatically improve voter access and convenience by reducing travel distances and congestion on election day.
“This budget is a blueprint for a better election. We are focusing on every phase, from preparing a clean register to facilitating smooth voting and delivering fast, trustworthy results,” Kamugisha stated.
To enhance security and transparency, the commission will implement the new Biometric Voter Verification and Deduplication Systems to prevent fraud, alongside an upgraded results transmission system for faster, real-time tallying.
Voter access and preparation will improve with 15,256 new polling stations, comprehensive voter guides, and well-trained officials receiving updated handbooks and increased pay.
The entire process will be underpinned by strict statutory compliance, ensuring all legal requirements for publishing polling details are met for a lawful and credible election.
The budget also covers the production and distribution of all essential voter materials, including the National Voters Register and Voter Location Slips, to every political party and polling station.
If approved, this supplementary funding will represent a substantial investment in Uganda’s democratic infrastructure, aiming to deliver an election that is free and fair.
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