{"id":576,"date":"2025-07-30T15:40:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T12:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsnest.co.ug\/?p=576"},"modified":"2025-08-15T10:53:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T07:53:37","slug":"government-breaks-ground-for-new-ec-headquarters-in-wakiso","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsnest.co.ug\/?p=576","title":{"rendered":"Government breaks ground for new EC headquarters in Wakiso"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/a>The government has officially broken ground on the Electoral Commission\u2019s (EC) new permanent headquarters in Lubowa\u2013Lweza, Wakiso District, a purpose-built complex intended to centralize election operations ahead of the 2025\u20132026 electoral cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officiating at the ceremony on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja described the project as a long-term investment in Uganda\u2019s democratic infrastructure.
\u201cThis 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,\u201d she said, adding that government will continue to provide \u201chuman, technical, logistical, and infrastructural\u201d support to ensure the EC delivers its purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EC Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama welcomed the development, calling for unity as the country moves toward the last stretch of the 2025\u20132026 General Elections.
\u201cAs we head towards the final activities of the 2025\u20132026 General Elections, I want to assert our unwavering commitment as a Commission. Let us move together in promoting unity, peace, harmony, and tolerance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new headquarters will sit on about 10 acres along the Entebbe corridor in Lweza B, Makindye\u2013Ssabagabo, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NHCC Chief Executive Kenneth Kaijuka said the development consolidates critical election functions \u201cunder one permanent roof,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Byabakama noted the facility is designed to solve decades-old operational constraints: \u201cWe have been struggling with renting here and there\u2026 finally we shall have our home, where we can have enough storage and offices to accommodate our staff,\u201d he said, adding that NHCC had assured the Commission that presidential nominations can be hosted at the site once core structures are ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The EC\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao highlighted expected community benefits around Lubowa\u2013Lweza, pointing to jobs and service opportunities during and after construction. He called the complex \u201ca symbol of progress in our electoral infrastructure,\u201d urging local leaders to leverage the project\u2019s spillovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Benefits of the New Headquarters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n