The Electoral Commission of Uganda has officially rescheduled the Sub-County and other lower-level conferences for the election of delegates representing non-unionised workers. Originally planned for Tuesday, 5th August 2025, the elections will now take place on Monday, 18th August 2025. This decision was made in consultation with the Minister responsible for Workers to ensure ample time for logistical preparation and effective coordination nationwide.
These elections are part of a broader national effort to ensure representation for non-unionised workers—who make up a significant segment of Uganda’s labour force—in Parliament. In line with Section 15 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap 177), the Minister must register eligible non-unionised workers within each locality and organize them at the Sub-County, Town Council, or Division level for elections. The Electoral Commission oversees the conduct and management of the entire electoral process.
A non-unionised worker, as defined by law, is an individual who is employed for pay, possesses a valid employment identification card, and is not affiliated with any labour union. To be eligible to vote, one must be a Ugandan citizen, at least 18 years old, a registered voter, and meet the criteria of a non-unionised worker.
According to the updated schedule, the Sub-County Delegates Conferences will now begin on Monday, 18th August 2025. At each Sub-County, City Division, or Municipal Division headquarters, ten delegates will be elected, with at least three of them required to be women. These elected individuals will then move on to represent their respective areas at the next electoral stage.
Following this, the City and District Delegates Conferences are set for Friday, 22nd August 2025, at each City or District Headquarters. From each of these conferences, ten delegates—including a minimum of three women—will be elected to advance to the regional level.
The election process will conclude with the Regional Delegates Conferences, scheduled for Monday, 25th August 2025. These will be held across Uganda’s four main regions: Northern, Eastern, Central, and Western. Ten delegates will be chosen from each region to join their unionised counterparts in forming the Electoral College. This body will be responsible for electing Members of Parliament representing workers. The final election for these MPs is expected to occur between 12th January and 9th February 2026, with the exact date to be announced by the Commission.
The voting process will be straightforward and inclusive. All conferences will begin at 7:00am. Nominations will be made orally, requiring one proposer and two seconders per candidate. Voting will be done by lining up behind the preferred candidate, starting with the selection of the three women representatives. Delegates elected at each stage will not hold specific titles such as Chairperson or Secretary; their role is to serve as representatives at the relevant level.
The Electoral Commission is urging all eligible non-unionised workers to turn out in strong numbers and take part in this significant democratic process. It is a rare opportunity for non-unionised workers to make their voices heard and to participate in selecting the leaders who will represent their interests at the national level. Regional Election Officers, Returning Officers, and Community Development Officers have also been directed to help spread awareness and ensure this information reaches all intended audiences.
This election process is more than a statutory obligation—it is a vital opportunity for non-unionised workers across Uganda to influence their collective future. By participating, workers affirm their constitutional rights and play a direct role in shaping national leadership and development.
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