About 15 kilometres from Kampala’s capital centre, on Entebbe Road, a huge tent has been erected to host the National Tally Centre where all presidential election results are being counted. Situated half a kilometre off the main road, the tally centre sits on the grounds earmarked for the future headquarters of the Electoral Commission (EC) in Lubowa, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District.
Access is as tight as a drum. Only accredited personnel can pass through the four roadblocks leading to the venue. Each checkpoint is manned by personnel from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), counter terrorism units, and the traffic police. All accredited individuals, including EC officials, security officers, election observers, and journalists, must undergo scrutiny at the final checkpoint, just a stone’s throw from the venue.
Officers atop a police pickup truck keep a close watch on the premises. Upon clearance, those without accredited vehicles must walk past the gates before entering through the third gate. ‘It is tiresome,’ some observers were heard complaining as they trudged toward the entrance, while police officers burst into hearty laughter. The parking lot, paved with concrete stones, accommodates vehicles belonging to accredited security teams, EC staff, observers, and service providers. An ambulance waits on standby, ready for any eventuality. Before stepping into the tallying area, one must undergo a final security check. The floor inside has been neatly paved, giving the place a polished look. By the time of filing this story, eight ambulances, a police fire brigade truck, and a satellite communication vehicle were stationed within the compound.
Media vehicles, including those from NTV, had also been allowed in to facilitate live broadcasts. Standing at the heart of the main tent, facing the entrance, three smaller tents rise to the right. This is the direction through which accredited personnel enter. Two of these serve as food points; one for journalists, the other for EC officials and observers. The third, about 10 steps from the main tallying tent, is reserved for media operations. To the left, a smaller tent functions as a waiting area for EC officials. It is the same tent where presidential candidates were ushered in during their nominations last September. The main entrance faces directly toward the gate used by EC Commissioners’ vehicles. Above the doorway, bold lettering reads: National Tally Centre, Presidential Elections 2026. The tent, raised about 20 inches on wooden supports, is carpeted with artificial green grass.
A wooden walkway, raised another 10 inches, splits the floor horizontally, serving as a path for commissioners and other dignitaries. Covered with a white hard carpet, the walkway is punctuated every few steps by podium-like structures adorned with artificial flowers, adding a touch of pomp and circumstance. Seating is arranged with military precision. Three-quarters of the tent is divided into two sections, each holding about 500 chairs for journalists and observers. The remaining quarter, at the front, is reserved for the EC tallying team on the right and invited diplomats on the left. At the very front, the seven EC commissioners and the Secretary to the Commission sit facing the audience.
A giant screen stands to their left, while four more large screens, two on either side and one at the back, ensure that no one misses a beat. EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the screens would allow observers and accredited personnel to follow the results as they trickle in. In addition, six 65-inch television screens have been installed inside the tent for the same purpose. The tent’s walls are draped in two layers of cloth. Balloons festoon the ceiling, which itself is covered in pure white fabric, giving the venue a festive yet dignified atmosphere. To light up the proceedings, two floodlights blaze overhead. Here is a place we will call home for the coming days. Here is where the world will keep its eyes on until a winner is announced from the presidential race.