The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party President, Patrick Amuriat Oboi, has expressed concern over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) approach to organizing the 2026 general elections, describing the process as “rushed and uncoordinated.”
Speaking at a press briefing held at the FDC Party Headquarters, Mr. Amuriat raised doubts about the Commission’s ability to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.
The National Electoral Commission’s roadmap outlines that the next President of Uganda is expected to be announced around January 2026.
Under Uganda’s Constitution, the EC is mandated to guarantee a free, fair, and equitable environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
However, Mr. Amuriat criticized the Commission for frequently amending the roadmap without adequately consulting or informing key stakeholders, including political party leaders and the public.
A critical point of contention is the timeline for updating the voters’ register.
The EC plans to conduct this exercise from January 20 to February 10, 2025, a period of just 21 days.
Initially, the roadmap had allocated 23 days, from January 3 to January 25, 2025.
Mr. Amuriat argued that this timeline is insufficient for a process of such national importance, which involves registering new voters and updating voter details, including changes in polling station locations.
“As FDC, we are deeply concerned about the limited time allocated to this critical process,” Mr. Amuriat said.
“A voter registration and update exercise of this magnitude requires at least two months to ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised.”
He further noted that the lack of adequate consultation and communication by the EC undermines public confidence in the election process.
“The Electoral Commission’s approach not only jeopardizes the credibility of the elections but also raises questions about its commitment to upholding the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution,” Mr. Amuriat added.
The FDC president called on the EC to reconsider its approach and allocate more time to the voter registration exercise to ensure inclusivity and fairness.
He also urged other political parties and civil society organizations to join in advocating for a transparent electoral process.
The Electoral Commission has yet to respond to these concerns.
With the 2026 general elections drawing closer, the preparedness of the EC will remain a key focus for political parties and the Ugandan public.
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