The Electoral Commission has this morning launched revised Roadmap for the 2020/2021 General Elections.
This comes almost three months of low-key electoral activity that occurred due the suspension of events due to public health safety concerns, arising out of the corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has affected the whole world, Uganda inclusive.
During the Press Conference that happened at the commission offices in Kampala, the Chairperson, Electoral Commission, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon revealed that the process has to resume in consideration of the new normal post Covid 19 guidelines.
He added that the Commission recognises the constitutional right of citizens to vote and choose their leaders, as well as our duty to facilitate the exercise of those rights. The Commission is further mindful of the need to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all stakeholders during the electoral process.
“After consultations with, and expert guidance from the Ministry of Health, the Commission has considered and approved a revised Roadmap for the 2020/2021 General Elections.” He said.
Byabakama added that this Revised Roadmap highlights the dates for commencement of various key electoral activities, namely, nominations, campaigns and polling for various elective positions, that is, Presidential, General Parliamentary and Local Government Councils. The Roadmap also highlights the period for conduct of elections for Special Interest Groups (Persons with Disability, Older Persons and Youth) Committees from Village to National Levels.
“A copy of this Revised Roadmap has been availed to each one of you to enable you study the details and identify the necessary action to take. A soft copy of the same document has been uploaded on the Electoral Commission website: www.ec.or.ug for easy access by other stakeholders. He added.
Some of the key dates in the revised Roadmap are highlighted here below:
| No | Activity | Period |
| Political Party and Organisations to identify flag bearers | 22nd June – 21st July 2020 | |
| Deadline for resignation by public servants wishing to participate in Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Committees Elections | 29th June 2020 | |
| Nomination of Village SIGs (Older Persons, Persons with Disability and Youth) Committees Candidates (see attached detailed for progressive levels up to National) | 5th August 2020 | |
| Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Local Government | 7th July 2020 | |
| Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Parliamentary Elections | 11th August 2020 | |
| Deadline for establishment of academic papers with Electoral Commission by aspiring candidates for Presidential Elections | 1st September 2020 | |
| Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Parliamentary Elections | 12th July 2020 | |
| Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Local Government Councils Elections | 6th August 2020 | |
| Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for SIG Representative to Parliament | 7th August 2020 | |
| Deadline for resignation by public servants aspiring to contest for Presidential Elections | 31st October 2020 | |
| Period for nomination of candidates for Local Governments, including SIGs | 7th – 17th September 2020 | |
| Nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections | 12th – 13th October 2020 | |
| Nomination of Candidates for Presidential Elections | 2nd – 3rd November 2020 | |
| Harmonisdation of Campaign Programme and Signing of Memorandum | 4th – 9th November 2020 | |
| Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Local Government | 28th September 2020 – 8th January 2021 | |
| Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Parliamentary Elections | 20th October 2020 – 8th January 2021 | |
| Conduct of candidates’ campaigns digitally for Presidential Elections | 10th November 2020 – 8th January 2021 | |
| Polling period for General Elections (exact polling dates to be appointed in due course) | 10th January – 8th February 2021 |
A detailed Roadmap can be obtained from the Electoral Commission website: www.ec.or.ug or the offices of political parties and organisations.
