EC Begins Nationwide Review of 2026 General Elections

[Da Dona]

The Electoral Commission (EC) has launched a nationwide review of Uganda's 2026 General Elections, beginning consultations with stakeholders in the Central South region to assess the electoral process and identify reforms aimed at improving future elections.

Speaking during a stakeholders' consultative meeting in Masaka, EC Deputy Chairperson and Commissioner for the Central South Region, Hajjat Aisha Lubega, said the exercise seeks to evaluate what worked well, identify challenges encountered during the elections, and gather recommendations for strengthening electoral management.

"We have convened this meeting to listen to stakeholders' experiences and recommendations. We want to know what went well, what did not, and how we can improve before the next election," Lubega said.

One of the key concerns raised during the consultations, according to Lubega, was inadequate voter education. She said the Commission would review the operations of its Voter Education Department to ensure citizens receive sufficient information before future elections.
"Many stakeholders told us that voter education was not sufficient. We are going to review the operations of our Voter Education Department and identify areas that need improvement," she said.

Lubega also defended the role of security agencies during elections, explaining that maintaining law and order falls under the mandate of the Uganda Police Force, while the Electoral Commission is responsible for organizing and conducting elections.
"Whenever the Police require reinforcement from other security agencies, they are empowered to call for that support. Their presence should therefore not be interpreted as interference with the electoral process," she said.

Addressing criticism that the EC's electoral roadmap often compresses activities into a short period, Lubega said the Commission operates within timelines set by law. She added that concerns raised by stakeholders, including the declaration of results at tally centres, are being reviewed for possible improvements.
She declined to comment on disputed election outcomes, noting that several cases are still before the courts.
Lubega also dismissed claims that EC commissioners cannot be impartial because they are appointed by the President, saying all appointments are subject to parliamentary vetting and approval.

"It is incorrect to claim that commissioners are biased simply because the President appoints them. Before anyone assumes office, they are vetted and approved by Parliament, where different political parties are represented," she said.
She further argued that many election-related problems, including violence, voter bribery and conflicts, are caused by candidates rather than the Electoral Commission.

As Uganda prepares for the upcoming Local Council I (LC1) elections, Lubega urged candidates and voters to maintain peace, emphasizing that village elections should not divide communities.

She also revealed that the Commission has allocated about Shs53 billion to facilitate LC1 election activities and pay personnel involved in conducting elections in more than 70,000 villages across the country.

The nationwide consultations are part of the EC's broader post-election assessment aimed at strengthening electoral transparency, improving voter education, and addressing concerns raised by stakeholders ahead of Uganda's next electoral cycle.

Source: Nile post UG​