Electoral Commission Sets June 19 for Youth Committee Polls, Unveils Critical SIGs and 2025/26 Elections Roadmap Updates

The Electoral Commission of Uganda, under the stewardship of its Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, has issued a comprehensive update on the progress of the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) elections at the village level and other critical roadmap activities in preparation for the 2025/2026 General Elections.

Progress on Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Village Elections

As part of the broader implementation of the 2025/2026 General Elections Roadmap, the Commission has been conducting structured elections for Village/Cell Committees of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), including Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and the Youth.

The electoral process began with the nomination of candidates from Monday, 2nd June to Tuesday, 10th June 2025 at designated Sub County and Town Council headquarters. Campaigns followed from 12th to 14th June, and polling commenced this week across Uganda’s 71,208 villages. The polling schedule is as follows:

SIG Election Polling Date Status

Older Persons Committees 16th June 2025 Conducted

PWD Committees 17th June 2025 Conducted

Youth Committees 19th June 2025 On Schedule

The Commission acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the Older Persons and PWD elections and expressed appreciation to the electoral colleges for their discipline and adherence to guidelines.

Youth Committees Elections Set for June 19

Justice Byabakama reiterated that Youth Committee elections will take place on Thursday, 19th June 2025, using the lining-up voting method—where voters stand behind a candidate’s portrait, symbol, agent, or the candidate.

The Village Youth Committee will comprise the following elective positions:

Chairperson 

Vice Chairperson

General Secretary

Publicity Secretary

Secretary for Women Youth (must be female)

Secretary for Student Affairs

Secretary for Labour Affairs

Secretary for Sports and Culture

Secretary for Finance

Only youths residing in their respective villages will be eligible to vote and stand for these positions. The Commission emphasized that only voters appearing on the Register for their place of residence will be eligible, thus excluding those whose origin differs from their current residence.

Rejection of Youth Brigades and Parallel Security Groups

The Commission addressed concerns over some candidates allegedly planning to form youth brigades to provide security at polling stations, citing distrust in the Uganda Police. Justice Byabakama dismissed these claims as “unfounded and irresponsible,” urging all political entities and independent candidates to refrain from forming parallel security structures, which contravene electoral laws.

He emphasized that only the Uganda Police Force is constitutionally mandated to provide security during elections. 

Key Message to Youth Voters

Justice Byabakama delivered a passionate appeal to Uganda’s youth, urging them to participate peacefully, uphold electoral integrity, and avoid inflammatory language, violence, and the spread of fake news. He reminded them that while elections may divide opinion, Uganda remains the shared homeland that must be protected above all.

Guidelines on Resignation and Academic Qualification Verification for 2025/2026 General Elections

The Commission also issued critical guidance to aspiring candidates for the upcoming general elections at all levels:

Academic Qualifications

Aspiring candidates for President, Member of Parliament, and District Chairperson must prove they have attained at least Advanced Level education or its equivalent. Specific timelines have been set for submission:

Elective Office Deadline to Establish Academic Qualifications

Presidential 1st August 2025

Parliamentary 16th July 2025

District Chairpersons 3rd July 2025

Candidates holding foreign academic credentials must obtain equivalency certification from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in consultation with Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). The Commission will not accept statutory declarations or affidavits as evidence of academic qualifications.

Additionally, candidates who previously verified qualifications must re-establish or re-verify these with NCHE unless they obtained higher qualifications from within Uganda.

Resignation from Public Office

As required by law, all public officers intending to contest must resign their positions within the prescribed timelines: 

Elective Office Deadline for Resignation

Special Interest Groups 28th April 2025

Parliamentary 13th June 2025

Local Government Councils 2nd August 2025

Presidential 1st October 2025

Failure to comply with the resignation deadlines will invalidate a candidate’s nomination. All resignation letters must be submitted to the Returning Officers along with nomination documents.

Political Neutrality of Security Forces, Public Officers, and Cultural Leaders

Justice Byabakama reiterated that members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Police, Prisons Service, civil servants, and cultural leaders are barred from:

Founding or joining political parties

Holding political offices

Engaging in political campaigns or making political pronouncements

This legal provision ensures neutrality and professional conduct during the electoral process.

Sponsorship and Nomination of Candidates

Political parties and organizations nominating candidates must officially endorse and seal nomination forms. Only individuals authorized by the Secretary General of the sponsoring party may perform this endorsement. Lists of authorized party representatives must be shared with the Electoral Commission and relevant district offices ahead of nomination dates.

The update by Justice Byabakama offers a clear and structured approach to the SIGs electoral process and the upcoming general elections. The Commission continues to emphasize peaceful participation, legal compliance, and institutional trust as the pillars of Uganda’s democratic journey.

As the country heads into a crucial electoral cycle, all stakeholders—especially the youth—are urged to act responsibly and ensure that the elections are free, fair, and peaceful.