The Government of Uganda has today unveiled the master plan for the construction of a groundbreaking Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters at Lweza, in what is being described as a historic moment for the country’s electoral infrastructure and democracy.
The project, launched at a landmark groundbreaking ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, will be executed by the National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) — a state-owned agency tasked by President Yoweri Museveni to find land and build a purpose-driven, permanent home for the EC.
Speaking at the event, NHCC CEO Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka revealed that the new complex will be the first of its kind in Africa, with an extensive array of integrated facilities aimed at transforming Uganda’s electoral management system.
“This will be a self-contained, secure and high-tech headquarters — the first of its kind not just in Uganda but on the entire continent,” said Eng. Kaijuka. “It will enhance our independence and efficiency in managing elections.”
The Lweza complex will host an unprecedented combination of facilities, including:
A ballot paper printery to enable in-country printing of sensitive election materials
A modern nominations and tally centre
A state-of-the-art ICT hub for election data management and security
A hospital and medical response unit
On-site accommodation for staff and officials
A fully fledged hotel for election observers and international stakeholders
Warehouses for safe storage of voting materials and equipment
Training and conference halls, a press centre, and expansive parking areas
According to NHCC, these facilities will not only consolidate EC operations under one roof, but also drastically reduce costs, enhance transparency, and improve Uganda’s election credibility on the regional and global stage.
Long overdue
The Electoral Commission has operated without a permanent home since vacating its Jinja Road offices in 2022.
Its current temporary offices in the Industrial Area only house a portion of its staff, creating administrative and logistical challenges.
President Museveni rejected an earlier plan to purchase an existing building in Butabika for shs 60 billion, instead directing NHCC to build a modern facility on government land.
The Lweza site was identified as ideal due to its proximity to key infrastructure including the Entebbe Expressway, and its ability to accommodate large-scale developments.
Construction is expected to last for 24 months.
