Step-by-Step: How to Vote on Polling Day, According to EC

The Electoral Commission (EC) has issued detailed guidelines outlining procedures voters must follow on polling day, set for Thursday, January 15, 2026, and on other designated polling days, as the country prepares for the upcoming elections.

The Commission has urged all registered voters to report to the polling stations where they are registered in order to participate in the electoral process.

Voters are required to present either a National Identification Card or a Voter Location Slip. The EC noted that voters who do not have either document will still be assisted by the Presiding Officer, who will verify their details using the National Voters Register.

According to the EC, voter identification will be conducted using the Biometric Voter Verification System, which will authenticate voters through fingerprint scanning or facial recognition.

Once verified, voters will be issued with the appropriate ballot papers, after which they will proceed to the voting basin to mark their preferred candidates for each elective position using either a tick or a thumbprint.

After voting, the ballot papers must be folded as instructed and deposited into the designated ballot boxes. A Polling Assistant will then mark the voter’s finger to indicate that they have voted.

The Electoral Commission emphasized that polling stations will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m., and encouraged voters to arrive early and observe order and peace throughout the exercise.

EC Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi promised the Commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and transparent election, and called on Ugandans to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.

Polling Day Guidelines

• Report to the polling station where you are registered as a voter.

• Present your National ID or Voter Location Slip.

• If you lack both documents, the Presiding Officer will verify your details on the National Voters Register.

• Your identity will be verified using the Biometric Voter Verification Machine (fingerprint or facial recognition).

• After verification, the Presiding Officer will scan and issue the ballot papers.

• Proceed to the voting basin and mark the candidate of your choice for each elective position using a tick or thumbprint.

• Fold each ballot paper as directed and insert it into the correct ballot box.

• A Polling Assistant will mark your finger to show that you have voted.

• Polling stations open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m.