The Electoral Commission has officially released the roadmap for the upcoming delegate elections for non-unionised workers, in preparation for Uganda’s 2025/2026 General Elections. This presents a significant opportunity for workers not affiliated with any labour union to elect representatives and participate in shaping national labour policy.
A non-unionised worker is defined as someone who is employed for pay, possesses a valid employment ID, and is not a member of any registered labour union.
The election process begins with the Minister responsible for Workers mobilising non-unionised employees at Sub County, City Division, and Municipal Division Headquarters across the country. During these gatherings, the workers will nominate delegates, while the Electoral Commission ensures a free and transparent election process.
The first major step is the Sub County Delegates Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, 5th August 2025. At each Sub County or City Division headquarters, ten delegates will be elected—including at least three women. These delegates will then proceed to the City or District Delegates Conference on Thursday, 7th August 2025, running from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm at each City or District headquarters. Again, ten delegates will be elected at this level, with a minimum of three women among them.
Next, the Regional Delegates Conferences will be held on Monday, 25th August 2025, covering Uganda’s four regions: Northern, Eastern, Central, and Western. Each region will elect ten delegates who will form part of the Electoral College alongside delegates representing unionised workers.
This Electoral College will ultimately elect Members of Parliament for workers at the national level.
To be eligible to participate, workers must:
Be Ugandan citizens aged 18 years or older
Be registered voters
Be currently employed with a valid employment ID
Not belong to any labour union
All conferences will begin promptly at 7:00 am. Nominations will be made orally by a proposer and supported by two seconders. Voting will be conducted by lining up behind the candidate of choice, starting with the election of three women delegates, followed by the remaining seven. Importantly, elected delegates will not hold specific titles such as Chairperson or Secretary—they will serve strictly as representatives.
The process will culminate in the National Delegates Conference, where the final election of Workers’ Members of Parliament will take place. This conference is expected to occur between 12th January and 9th February 2026, with specific dates to be announced.
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, urges all eligible non-unionised workers to participate actively in this important democratic process. He encourages widespread turnout and emphasizes the importance of ensuring fair and inclusive representation for workers who are currently without union affiliation.
This is a pivotal moment for non-unionised workers in Uganda to claim their seat at the decision-making table—by electing leaders who will advocate for their rights and interests at every level.
