Uganda has received a major new consignment of Uganda ballot papers at Entebbe International Airport, marking a key step toward the 2026 general elections. Specifically, the shipment arrived on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and includes ballots for District and City Chairpersons as well as District Women Councillors.
This delivery completes the bulk of externally printed Uganda ballot papers needed for the polls. Moreover, it follows two earlier consignments: presidential ballots for over 21.6 million voters arrived on December 24, 2025, and parliamentary ballots landed the next day.
To ensure security and transparency, the Electoral Commission (EC) has adopted a phased import strategy. Consequently, each shipment arrives in stages rather than all at once. The EC then receives every consignment under tight supervision.
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the EC Chairperson, personally led the reception process. He worked alongside commissioners, political party agents, security officials, and election observers. In this way, the Commission maintains openness at every stage.
According to EC spokesperson Julius Musinguzi, the latest batch included 247 pallets—144 for chairpersons and 103 for women councillors. “Ballot papers for district women councillors have arrived in full,” he said. “About 90% of those for district and city chairpersons are now in the country.”
Uganda has 146 districts and cities, and each requires custom-printed ballots based on local voter registration. Therefore, the EC must coordinate printing, packing, and distribution with extreme precision.
The Commission began packing presidential ballots on December 29. Notably, political party agents and other stakeholders witnessed the entire process to verify accuracy and fairness.
This phased approach reduces logistical risks significantly. Additionally, it allows the EC to monitor materials continuously from arrival to dispatch. As a result, public confidence in the electoral process remains strong.
Musinguzi reaffirmed the EC’s legal duty: to deliver all materials to polling stations on time. “Our duty under the law is to ensure that by polling day, all materials are at polling stations so that voting starts on time,” he said. “That process is ongoing, and we remain on schedule.”
Once packing concludes at EC warehouses, officials will dispatch the Uganda ballot papers nationwide under high-security protocols—alongside other polling supplies.
The Commission has repeatedly pledged to conduct a credible, transparent, and timely election. With logistics on track and most ballot papers now secured, Uganda moves steadily toward a critical democratic milestone.
Indeed, the successful arrival and verification of these materials demonstrate the EC’s commitment to a well-run process. Given the scale and sensitivity of the task, such discipline is essential.
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