The Electoral Commission (EC) has ruled out using braille ballot papers in Uganda during the 2026 General Elections. EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugyenyi said the decision comes from logistical barriers, limited braille literacy, and a lack of reliable voter data. His remarks came during a national stakeholders’ workshop at Hotel Africana in Kampala on June 11.
Disability rights groups, especially the Uganda National Association of the Blind and Deaf, have urged the EC to adopt braille ballots. They argue it’s essential for equal participation in democratic processes. But the EC insists it needs accurate information before committing to such a large-scale initiative. Without knowing how many voters need braille or where they are located, officials believe the cost outweighs the benefit.
Uganda is set to operate nearly 50,000 polling stations in the next election. Each station must provide ballots for several positions, including MPs, councillors, and local leaders. According to Byabakama, producing braille ballot papers in Uganda for every polling station without data would be wasteful. He asked whether it made sense to print braille ballots for all locations when only a few voters might use them.
The Commission also raised questions about braille literacy. Not all visually impaired voters can read braille. Printing the materials doesn’t guarantee they will be used or understood. Byabakama said the EC needs more than assumptions before spending taxpayer funds on specialized ballots. He asked disability organizations to supply clear statistics on the number of braille-literate voters and their regional distribution.
He also pointed to Uganda’s low voter turnout. In the 2021 presidential election, only 10 million of the 19 million registered voters cast ballots. The Commission had printed extra papers to prepare for full participation. However, around 9 million ballots remained unused. Byabakama warned that adding braille ballots without knowing the actual need could create similar waste. He said the Commission must focus on proven demand and efficient use of resources.
Other countries have faced similar challenges. Sierra Leone once introduced braille ballots, aiming to support blind voters. But it later abandoned the effort due to low usage and high logistical costs. Uganda, said Byabakama, must learn from that example. It cannot afford to follow policies that sound inclusive but fail in practice.
The EC also highlighted alternatives for voters with disabilities. These include tactile voting guides and assistance from trusted persons at polling stations. Such methods are already in place and may serve better in the short term. According to Byabakama, adopting braille ballot papers in Uganda will remain on hold until there’s a clear, data-backed reason to proceed.
The Commission encouraged disability organizations to work with them. Sharing current information on voter needs could lead to better solutions in the future. The EC said it remains committed to making elections accessible for all, but it must do so wisely and within the country’s financial limits.
The announcement comes just days before elections for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), scheduled from June 17 to 19. These elections include representatives for youth, older persons, workers, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Despite the inclusion of PWD representatives, the EC confirmed that braille ballot papers in Uganda will not be used in this election either.
In a related update, the EC announced that Uganda’s electoral laws have recently changed. Legal officer Abubaker Kayondo explained that all laws have been renumbered. For example, the Local Government Act, once Chapter 243, is now Chapter 138. The Parliamentary Elections Act has shifted to Chapter 177. These changes affect legal references across the board, especially those related to SIGs.
Previously, matters concerning SIGs fell under Section 8H of the Parliamentary Elections Act. The new version no longer uses alphabetical sub-sections. Instead, SIG-related rules now appear in Sections 13, 14, and 15. Kayondo urged legal and political stakeholders to check the updated citations when referencing the law.
Byabakama concluded that any future move to include braille ballot papers in Uganda must be based on solid research and stakeholder collaboration. He stressed that inclusivity remains a goal but must be pursued responsibly. The EC will continue to work with advocacy groups to find realistic and affordable solutions for all voters, including those with disabilities.
Organizations like the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) recommend alternatives when braille is not practical. These include tactile ballot guides, trained assistants, and enhanced voter education. Uganda may explore these options while continuing its efforts to build an inclusive, efficient voting system.
For further updates and detailed announcements, visit the Uganda Electoral Commission’s official website.
