KAMPALA.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has so far received two batches of ballot papers to be used in next month Presidential and Parliamentary elections
The elections are slated for January 15, 2026.
The ballot papers were printed and delivered by Al Ghurair LLC, a Dubai-based printing and publishing firm contracted by the Commission.
While receiving the first consignment at Entebbe International Airport on Christmas Eve, the EC Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, said additional consignments are expected to arrive in the country up to January 5, 2026.
It was shortly before 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve when senior Electoral Commission officials, together with representatives from various political parties, assembled at the airport’s cargo terminal to witness the arrival of the first batch of ballot papers.
Moments later, EC trucks moved onto the airport tarmac to transport the sensitive materials under tight security.
According to the Commission, the first consignment comprised 193 pallets of presidential ballot papers, which arrived on Wednesday night.
Justice Byabakama explained that the Commission printed slightly more ballot papers than the 21,681,491 registered voters across 50,739 polling stations nationwide, to cater for ballots that may be damaged or spoiled during the voting process.
He added that the ballot papers were packaged with precision and clearly labelled by district to facilitate proper handling, secure storage, and efficient distribution during deployment.
The Electoral Commission said representatives from all political parties were invited to witness the receipt of the ballot papers as part of efforts to promote transparency and build public confidence in the electoral process.
However, some opposition party representatives raised concerns, particularly regarding what they described as limited opportunity to independently verify the packing lists.
Despite the concerns, representatives from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) expressed satisfaction with the exercise, describing the process as smooth, orderly, and transparent.
In response, the Electoral Commission reaffirmed its commitment to openness and accountability, noting that all consignments arrived with intact red security seals and showed no signs of tampering.
The Commission confirmed that the second batch of ballot papers arrived at Entebbe International Airport on Christmas Day, marking steady progress in preparations for the polls.
With less than three weeks remaining to the general presidential and parliamentary elections, the Electoral Commission has renewed its call to political actors, candidates, and the public to maintain peace and avoid violence before, during, and after the electoral process.