As preparations for the 2026 General Elections Uganda intensify, the Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) has rolled out election activities for Special Interest Groups (SIGs) — Youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and Older Persons — in line with the approved Uganda Electoral Commission 2026 roadmap.
These elections ensure inclusive representation and constitutional participation of marginalized groups in Uganda’s democratic process. Special Interest Groups elections are constitutionally mandated under Articles 78, 180, and 181 of the Constitution of Uganda, allowing representation of youth, Persons with Disabilities, Older Persons and Workers.
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, EC Chairperson, has described SIG elections as “a pillar of inclusive democracy and national representation.” According to the EC roadmap, SIG activities begin with nominations and campaigns, followed by polling at different administrative levels that include:
- Nominations of SIG candidates – August 2025
- Campaign meetings (Youth, PWDs, Older Persons) – Mid-August 2025
- Polling at district and city level – August 2025
- Election of delegates to regional and national councils – Late August 2025
These elections precede mainstream political party nominations and campaigns.
Unlike universal adult suffrage elections, SIG elections are conducted through electoral colleges and held at sub-county, district, regional, and national levels supervised directly by the Electoral Commission. Voting is restricted to registered members of each group, verified through EC-approved registers.
The EC oversees the Nomination, Campaigns as well as Polling for representatives to the National Youth Council, being crucial in the election of youth MPs to Parliament. The EC has urged youth leaders to conduct peaceful campaigns and comply with electoral guidelines.
The People with Disabilities (PWD) elections emphasize Accessibility of polling venues, Assistive voting arrangements and Equal participation regardless of disability type. The Electoral Commission has worked with disability organizations to ensure non-discrimination and dignity during voting.
Older Persons committees are elected at Sub-county, District, Regional, National levels and these structures feed into representation in Parliament, ensuring the elderly have a voice in governance. Special Interest Groups (SIG) elections are governed by The Electoral Commission Act, SIG-specific regulations and Electoral Code of Conduct hence Any disputes arising from SIG elections are handled according to EC dispute resolution mechanisms.
Past election petitions and observer reports have highlighted the importance of early and orderly SIG elections to prevent disputes later in the election cycle and strengthen inclusion so as to enhance legitimacy of Parliament and local governments. By completing SIG elections early, the EC clears the path for presidential, parliamentary, and local government nominations.
Following completion SIG representatives advance to higher-level councils and successful candidates qualify for nomination to Parliament. The EC then shifts focus to local government and presidential nominations.
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