Uganda’s Electoral Commission has postponed district-level elections in Butebo District following disruptions that damaged and led to the loss of ballot papers.
The commission said the incidents affected polling in several sub-counties and stressed the move was necessary to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
In a press release dated January 22, 2026, the commission said it had received reports of incidents that significantly affected polling in several sub-counties across the district.
The disruptions resulted in the loss and destruction of ballot papers, raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
The Electoral Commission said the decision to postpone the elections was taken in order to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
As a result, all elections for elective positions in Butebo District scheduled for January 22, were halted.
The postponed elections cover all key district-level positions, including District Chairperson, Directly Elected District Councillors, and District Women Councillors.
The commission said it would communicate a new date for the elections in due course.
Butebo District, located in eastern Uganda, had been preparing to elect its local leadership when the disruptions occurred.
The commission did not provide details on the nature of the incidents or identify those responsible, but said the impact was severe enough to warrant a complete postponement rather than partial reruns.
Election officials said the interruptions affected multiple polling areas, making it impossible to continue with voting in a manner that met legal and procedural standards.
The loss of ballot papers and other materials meant that results could not be reliably verified, prompting the commission to intervene.
The Commission appealed for calm among residents and political actors in the district. It called on all candidates, their agents, supporters and the people of Butebo District to remain calm and maintain peace and order while the situation is addressed.
Postponements of elections are relatively rare in Uganda and are usually linked to security concerns or logistical failures that threaten the credibility of the vote.
The commission’s statement emphasised that protecting the integrity of the process was the overriding consideration in taking the decision.
The delay is likely to affect candidates who had mobilised supporters and resources for the vote, as well as voters who had turned out expecting to cast their ballots.
The commission did not indicate how long the postponement would last or whether any investigations had been launched into the reported incidents.
The announcement places focus on election security and the protection of voting materials, which are essential to ensuring free and fair elections.
The commission said it would provide further communication once it has addressed the challenges that led to the disruptions.
For now, the commission said its priority is restoring order and ensuring that conditions are in place for credible elections when a new date is set.
It reiterated its call for restraint, urging all stakeholders in Butebo District to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
The Electoral Commission said it remains committed to conducting elections that meet constitutional and legal requirements, and that postponement was a necessary step under the circumstances to protect the democratic process.
