By Brian Atuhura

The Electoral Commission has been commended for the successful conduct of the 2026 General Elections following a post-election survey that found the electoral process to be largely peaceful,well-organized,and professionally managed.

Presenting the findings of an online survey during the Regional Post-Election Evaluation workshop held at Hoima Resort Hotel,Apollo Mugumya,a Consultant from Adroit Consult International ,said the assessment indicated strong performance by the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders throughout the electoral process.

According to the survey,76 percent of polling stations opened on time,while 78 percent received polling materials within the expected time.The report also showed that 97 percent of polling stations had adequate voting materials,contributing to a smooth voting process.

Mugumya noted that 88 percent of respondents rated Electoral Commission officials as professional and impartial,while 87 percent described the voting environment as peaceful and secure.He commended the security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the elections.

The survey further revealed that 52 percent of voters were able to cast their ballots within 30 minutes,a result attributed to effective queue management,proper voter verification,and efficient polling procedures.

Meanwhile,30 percent of voters spent between 30 and 60 minutes at polling stations,while 10 percent took between one and two hours to vote.
The delays were mainly attributed to biometric verification failures,late opening of polling stations,and congestion at busy polling centres.

To improve future elections,the survey recommended upgrading biometric voter verification machines,ensuring timely deployment of polling materials,making prompt payments to polling officials,strengthening continuous voter education,and guaranteeing uninterrupted internet connectivity during the election period.

The Regional evaluation workshop brought together Resident District Commissioners,District Chairpersons,Chief Administrative Officers,security officials,and representatives of Special Interest Groups from districts across the Albertine Region to review the electoral process and identify areas for improvement.

Closing the workshop,the Electoral Commission Commissioner for the Albertine Region,Carolyn Bainemaryo,thanked stakeholders for Thier constructive feedback,saying their views would help the Commission strengthen future electoral processes.

She said the Commission would place greater emphasis on continuous voter civic education to improve public understanding of electoral procedures and encourage greater participation in future elections.