The government has officially broken ground on the Electoral Commission’s (EC) new permanent headquarters in Lubowa–Lweza, Wakiso District, a purpose-built complex intended to centralize election operations ahead of the 2025–2026 electoral cycle.
Officiating at the ceremony on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja described the project as a long-term investment in Uganda’s democratic infrastructure.
“This groundbreaking ceremony is a testimony to the commitment of the Ugandan Government to support democratic processes in Uganda by developing the capacity of institutions to deliver their respective mandates,” she said, adding that government will continue to provide “human, technical, logistical, and infrastructural” support to ensure the EC delivers its purpose.
EC Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama welcomed the development, calling for unity as the country moves toward the last stretch of the 2025–2026 General Elections.
“As we head towards the final activities of the 2025–2026 General Elections, I want to assert our unwavering commitment as a Commission. Let us move together in promoting unity, peace, harmony, and tolerance,” he said.
The new headquarters will sit on about 10 acres along the Entebbe corridor in Lweza B, Makindye–Ssabagabo, Wakiso. National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC), which is implementing the project, says the scheme includes a 10-storey administration block with four basements; secure warehouses for election materials; a nominations and tally centre; a ballot-paper printery; an ICT/data hub; training halls; a press/media centre; a hospital with emergency services; accommodation and hotel facilities for election stakeholders; and extensive internal roads, water and power systems. Construction is targeted to take roughly two years.
NHCC Chief Executive Kenneth Kaijuka said the development consolidates critical election functions “under one permanent roof,” reducing rental costs and logistics risks that have hampered recent cycles. He outlined an estimated project cost of roughly UGX 400 billion, covering land, infrastructure, and buildings.
Byabakama noted the facility is designed to solve decades-old operational constraints: “We have been struggling with renting here and there… finally we shall have our home, where we can have enough storage and offices to accommodate our staff,” he said, adding that NHCC had assured the Commission that presidential nominations can be hosted at the site once core structures are ready.
The EC’s Public Relations Officer, Julius Mucunguzi, described the groundbreaking as a historic first for the institution after more than 20 years of renting offices in Kampala. The Commission vacated its Jinja Road headquarters to pave way for the Kampala Flyover project in 2023 and has been operating from temporary premises since then.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao highlighted expected community benefits around Lubowa–Lweza, pointing to jobs and service opportunities during and after construction. He called the complex “a symbol of progress in our electoral infrastructure,” urging local leaders to leverage the project’s spillovers.
Key Benefits of the New Headquarters
- Centralized operations: All major EC functions, including storage, nominations, tallying, ICT, media, and administration, will be housed in one secure complex.
- Cost efficiency: Purpose-built facilities will cut down on rental expenses and reliance on third-party premises.
- Enhanced readiness: The site is being sequenced to host presidential nominations and other critical election activities as early as possible.
