EC opens first-ever regional office, storage facility in West Nile

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The Electoral Commission (EC) has inaugurated its first-ever regional office block and storage facility in the West Nile region.

Construction of the sh4.6 billion customised regional office, located next to Arua Central Police Station in Arua City, began in December 2023.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, sh1.86 billion was allocated to commence the construction of the first Regional Election Centre in Arua city, serving the West Nile sub-region.

The groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, who represented Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.



The official opening on Monday, April 28, 2025, was witnessed by political and technical leaders from both Arua city and Arua district, representatives of political parties, EC officials, members of civil society organisations, security personnel, and the general public.

Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC chairperson, commended the government for funding the project, noting that most EC offices across the country operate in rented spaces.

“I thank the leadership of Arua Municipality for granting the space we are in now because countrywide Electoral Commission is housed in rented apartments and it is therefore important that we embarked on building our own property and it is my hope that what has happened in Arua city will be replicated in the eleven other regions,” said Byabakama.

Rose Ayaka Atima, the former regional election officer for West Nile, who led the effort to secure the land, expressed her delight at the project’s completion.

Juma Shesa, the current regional election officer for West Nile, urged all stakeholders to ensure the safety, security, and upkeep of the new facility.

“It is now our responsibility to take care and ensure the security and maintenance of this building so that when we come here in two years, it’s still the same,” said Shesa.

Sam Wadri Nyakua, the mayor of Arua city, under whose tenure the land was allocated, said he supported the project wholeheartedly, having been a product of the Electoral Commission himself.

“When the issue came up, I acted so first because I am a product of EC, how could I refuse land for the Electoral Commission house. I am happy that what started as a joke has materialised and all we need now is to deliver a free, fair and credible election,” said Nyakua.

However, Hajj Abdul Hakim Molli, the FDC electoral commission chairperson for West Nile, remarked that the establishment of the office block does not in itself guarantee free and fair elections in the region or country at large.

Uganda currently has 146 districts and cities, which the Electoral Commission has grouped into 12 operational regions.