By Uganda’s preparations for the 2026 general election face a critical challenge as the government struggles to bridge an unfunded gap of Shs624 billion. This shortfall constitutes the bulk of the Shs765 billion required by the Electoral Commission (EC) to fulfill its constitutional obligations for the upcoming polls.
Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs last Friday, Justice Simon Byabakama, chairperson of the EC, highlighted the financial hurdle, emphasizing its potential impact on the electoral process.
“This Budget Framework Paper is critical for delivering a free and fair 2025/2026 General Election, scheduled between January 12 and February 9, 2026. Given the uniqueness of this electoral period, all activities must be adequately funded and implemented as per the roadmap,” Justice Byabakama stated.
He further detailed the financial requirement: “The total funding needed for FY2025/2026 is Shs764.705 billion. However, only Shs140.801 billion has been allocated under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, leaving a funding gap of Shs623.904 billion.”
Justice Byabakama urged lawmakers to advocate for the necessary allocations during the ongoing review of the National Budget Framework Paper (NBFP) for FY2025/2026. He stressed that timely funding is essential to ensure the smooth execution of all activities leading to the swearing-in of elected leaders by May 12, 2026.
In his submission to the committee, chaired by Bukooli North MP Stephen Bakka Mugabi, Justice Byabakama warned of the consequences of the funding shortfall. Critical electoral activities under Phase III of the electoral roadmap for FY2025/2026 are at stake.
“Phase I and II of the roadmap were allocated Shs388.5 billion in FY2024/2025, but no funds have been provided for Phase III activities in FY2025/2026,” Justice Byabakama explained.
Documents presented by the EC outline the importance of Phase III, which includes essential activities such as the nomination of candidates, printing of ballot papers, voter verification using biometric systems, campaigns, polling, tallying, and declaration of results. Without the required funding, these activities could be delayed or compromised.
Additionally, the EC revealed another financial concern: Shs26.826 billion allocated for the construction of its headquarters in FY2024/2025 remains unreleased. The Commission has since January 2023 operated from a structure provided by the National Housing and Construction Company Limited in Kampala’s Industrial Area.
The EC has called for the government to trace and release the necessary funds to facilitate both the electoral roadmap and its relocation plan.
With the general election less than two years away, the urgency for timely and adequate funding cannot be overstated. Failure to address the financial gap could jeopardize Uganda’s ability to conduct a free, fair, and credible election in 2026.
