Politics
Nabbanja Breaks Ground for Permanent Electoral Commission Headquarters, Reaffirms NRM Commitment to Democratic Governance
Uganda’s Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja has officially presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new permanent headquarters of the Electoral Commission (EC), marking a significant milestone in the institutional strengthening of Uganda’s electoral processes.
The event, held at the new EC site in Lweza–Lubowa, was attended by senior government officials, political party representatives, and members of the Electoral Commission, and comes as Uganda prepares for the 2025/2026 General Elections.
In her speech, Nabbanja hailed the project as both symbolic and practical—marking 30 years of continuous elections since the enactment of the 1995 Constitution which established a permanent Electoral Commission under Article 60.
“Since its establishment, the Commission has conducted six general elections and two referenda on political systems, along with countless parliamentary and local government elections,” the Prime Minister noted. “The construction of a permanent home for the Commission is a befitting way to celebrate three decades of Uganda’s democratic journey.”
She underscored the government’s recognition of the Electoral Commission’s pivotal role in democratic governance and emphasised that the NRM government remains committed to supporting such institutions with the infrastructure necessary for effective service delivery.
“This is more than just a building. It is about creating an environment for service, research, innovation, and growth in line with the Commission’s vision to be a model institution for election management in Africa and beyond,” she added.
Nabbanja pointed out that the move to construct permanent structures for key institutions is part of a broader government strategy to reduce the escalating costs of renting office space across ministries, departments, and agencies. She revealed that efforts are underway to consolidate government entities into centralised campuses, reducing expenditure and increasing efficiency.
In that same vein, the Prime Minister commended the Electoral Commission and its partners for the collaborative efforts that secured the land and financing for the project. She gave special thanks to the National Housing and Construction Company for taking on the construction, urging them to uphold high professional standards, ensure timely completion, and deliver value for money.
“I undertake to ensure that the required funds for this project are not only allocated but also released adequately and timely,” she pledged. “Some of us call a spade a spade—not a big spoon. I will not allow corruption to derail this project.”
Nabbanja also paid tribute to President Yoweri Museveni, praising his visionary leadership. “Unless you’ve worked closely with that man, you won’t understand. We are where we are because of his foresight,” she said.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the Prime Minister called upon representatives from political parties, government institutions, and local leaders to join her in symbolically breaking the ground—signalling the start of construction on what is expected to be a state-of-the-art headquarters for the EC.
“This project is a testimony of the NRM government’s continued support for democratic processes and good governance in Uganda,” she concluded. “I have said all this, for God and my country.”
Construction of the EC’s new permanent home comes at a critical time, as Uganda’s electoral body ramps up preparations for the 2026 General Elections, with nominations scheduled between January 12 and February 9, 2026.
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