President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced 15th and 16th January 2026 as public holidays, giving Ugandans the opportunity to vote without work-related barriers in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
The declaration was announced on 9th January 2026, under Section 2(2) of the Public Holidays Act, which empowers the reigning president to designate national holidays when necessary.
Speaking to press, Justice Simon Byabakama, the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, said the public holidays are meant to ensure that every Ugandan can exercise their right to vote without being hindered by work obligations.
Justice Byabakama also confirmed that over 21 million Ugandans are registered to vote in this year’s general elections, with distribution of voter location slips designed to help citizens identify their polling stations, having begun in mid-December and set to conclude by 13th January, 2026.
’’We have already begun dispatching polling materials to all districts, a key step that will help ensure the voting process is orderly, timely, and accessible to all citizens,” Justice Byabakama said.
He also revealed that Presidential candidates, including Museveni, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (NUP), James Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), and Gregory Mugisha Muntu Oyera (ANT), have received copies of the photo-bearing national voters’ register, allowing them and their agents to verify voter information and monitor polling procedures.
“With materials in place and voter registers issued, we are confident that logistical arrangements are ready to support a smooth electoral process,” Byabakama added.
The government and EC have urged all citizens to familiarize themselves with their polling stations and voter documents to ensure full participation.
’’Preparation and organization are key to a credible election. We urge all voters to know where to vote, bring their voter slips, and participate peacefully,” the EC Chairperson emphasized.
The declaration of public holidays, alongside the distribution of polling materials and voter registers, demonstrates the government and EC’s commitment to broad voter participation and a smooth, credible election process, setting the stage for a peaceful, well-organized voting period in which citizens are urged to participate fully and peacefully, ensuring their voices contribute decisively to Uganda’s democratic development.
