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Electoral Commission Breaks Ground for UGX 400 Billion Ultra-Modern Headquarters in Lweza
The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially launched the construction of its long-awaited permanent headquarters in Lweza B, Ndeje Division, Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District. The mega project, valued at UGX 400 billion, marks a major institutional milestone and is expected to transform the operations of the EC ahead of the 2025/2026 General Elections.
The groundbreaking ceremony, presided over by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, was attended by key government officials, development partners, and representatives from political parties. The new headquarters will sit on 10 acres along Entebbe Road and is being developed by the National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC), following a 2022 presidential directive to secure a permanent home for the commission.
“This is a historic moment,” said Julius Mucunguzi, the Electoral Commission’s Public Relations Officer. “For over 20 years, the Commission has operated out of rented facilities. This new project finally gives us ownership, stability, and an environment purposefully designed for electoral excellence.”
Kenneth Kaijuka, CEO of National Housing, outlined the project’s scope, which includes a 10-storey administration block with four basements, a ballot paper printery, a nominations and tally centre, a press and media hub, ICT and data systems, training halls, a hospital, accommodation facilities, warehouses, and a hotel.
“This is not just an office complex,” Kaijuka emphasised. “It is a complete ecosystem tailored for electoral activities. We estimate full completion in two years, but we are working to ensure that the nominations for the presidential candidates can take place here as early as September.”
EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama expressed optimism that the new facility will redefine the Commission’s capacity to deliver free and fair elections. “We’ve struggled with inadequate space and rising rental costs. Now, with this home, we will have enough space for storage, security, and operations. This will also hopefully serve as the national tally centre for the 2026 presidential results,” he said.
Byabakama confirmed that initial infrastructure is already in place to support some electoral functions in the coming weeks.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja commended the Commission for securing land and initiating the construction of its permanent base. She reaffirmed the government’s financial commitment to the project, linking it to broader public sector reforms aimed at reducing the burden of rent on government agencies.
“Government will ensure that the funds required are released in time,” Nabbanja assured. “This investment will help the Electoral Commission function more efficiently while also saving the country billions in rental expenses.”
The EC previously operated from Plot 55, Jinja Road, before handing it over to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in March 2023. It temporarily relocated to the former NHCC headquarters on Seventh Street, Industrial Area, awaiting construction of its own premises.
To expedite delivery, NHCC has announced plans to partner with other firms to bolster its capacity due to the scale and timeline of ongoing national projects.
Once completed, the new Electoral Commission headquarters is expected to set a regional benchmark for institutional infrastructure supporting democratic governance.
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