Political Parties Lag in 2026 Election Preparations as EC Raises Concern

With just eight months until Uganda’s 2026 general election cycle begins, political parties are under growing scrutiny for their slow preparations.

While the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Democratic Party (DP) have already mapped out their election strategies, key opposition parties including the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP), Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), and JEEMA remain largely inactive.

This has sparked concerns over voter engagement, party organization, and the credibility of the upcoming elections.

Election observers and governance experts warn that parties are already behind schedule and risk weakening public participation in the democratic process.

Governance expert Henry Muguzi says political parties should, by now, be reopening regional offices, engaging voters, and promoting key policy proposals. Instead, many remain silent.

“This is April, meaning we have just months left before the country officially enters the election cycle. By now, political parties should be buzzing with activity recruiting members, reopening offices, and making their presence felt in the media. Yet, many remain dormant and only appear close to elections, which is a major problem,” Muguzi says.

He criticizes parties for focusing too much on reacting to government policies rather than proactively engaging the electorate.

“Many political parties only wake up when the government makes a mistake so they can criticize it. But where are their policy alternatives? Where is the mobilization? They should have intensified fundraising drives, conducted public sensitization, and started explaining key issues in their manifestos. Instead, they are sleepwalking into the elections,” he adds.

Democracy and governance expert Crispin Kaheru also faults parties for what he calls a “seasonal approach” to politics, where voter engagement spikes only when elections draw near.

“Political parties should not limit engagement to election periods. Right now, it is already late. Many of them treat citizens as voting tools rather than active participants in governance. This must change,” Kaheru says.

He notes that parties have also failed to prepare for elections involving special interest groups, including youth, the elderly, workers, and persons with disabilities.

“Elections for special interest groups are around the corner, but no political party is talking about them. This silence is worrying because it suggests that parties are taking these crucial voter segments lightly,” he argues.

The Electoral Commission (EC), which is overseeing the election process, has also raised concerns over party inactivity. It has already released its official election roadmap, outlining key dates and deadlines for parties, but officials say many are failing to align their activities with the schedule.

EC Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi warns that delays in party preparations could affect both the political groups and the commission’s ability to conduct a smooth and credible election.

“The roadmap is clear. We have provided a timeline that allows parties to plan effectively. Political parties need to align their activities with it to avoid unnecessary chaos. Delayed preparations will not only hurt them but also disrupt the election process,” Mucunguzi explains.

He emphasizes that well-organized political parties contribute to a smoother electoral process.

“When parties have structured internal processes, it reduces election-related chaos and enhances credibility. If they remain unprepared, it affects everything—including how we manage the general elections. We expect all parties to follow the roadmap and take necessary steps now rather than later,” he adds.

Despite concerns over inactivity, the National Unity Platform (NUP) maintains that it is on track with its preparations.

Party Secretary-General Lewis Rubongoya says NUP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to meet soon to finalize their election roadmap.

“We are not behind schedule. Our structures are in place, and very soon, our NEC will meet to finalize the election strategy. We are fully aware of our responsibilities, and at the right time, everything will be unveiled,” Rubongoya asserts.

However, critics argue that opposition parties cannot afford to wait much longer.

Experts caution that the failure of political parties to engage early may result in low voter turnout in 2026.

Kaheru warns that parties play a critical role in mobilizing voters, but their current inactivity could discourage public participation.

“We have seen voter turnout declining in previous elections. If political parties do not start engaging now, we might see even lower numbers in 2026. Parties should be working on mobilization strategies, encouraging citizens to check their voter details, and sensitizing communities on their political choices,” he advises.

Muguzi echoes similar concerns, emphasizing that many parties are failing to field candidates across various electoral positions, which weakens Uganda’s multi-party democracy.

“There are over 20 registered political parties in Uganda. Where are they? Why are they not fielding candidates across all levels? If parties cannot even contest at the grassroots, how can they claim to represent the people?” he questions.

With only months left before the full election cycle begins, analysts argue that political parties must shift gears to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Key actions they must take include reopening regional offices, recruiting members, publishing clear election manifestos and policy positions, fielding candidates beyond just the presidency, conducting nationwide mobilization and fundraising drives, and aligning activities with the Electoral Commission roadmap.

The pressure is now on Uganda’s political parties to prove they are ready for the 2026 elections. With time running out, the question remains—will they step up or remain unprepared?