Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama has called on security agencies to refrain from overstepping their mandate during elections, following public complaints about military interference in electoral processes.
Addressing journalists in Kampala, Byabakama condemned incidents where security personnel assumed roles reserved for election officials. He cited the recent Kawempe North by-election, where armed individuals disrupted polling stations, questioning whether those involved were even Ugandan citizens.
“When security forces are deployed to maintain order, they should not take over the duties of election managers,” he said. “he stressed.
Byabakama said that the commission is engaging police and military officials to clarify their roles, emphasizing that while police may request support from other agencies if overwhelmed, such decisions should not undermine electoral integrity.
Byabakama stated that applications are under review, with approved lists to be published after vetting. However, Bireete countered that the delays undermine voter education and oversight, particularly as elections have already commenced.
Past elections have faced international scrutiny, with the U.S. and EU citing restricted observer access and irregularities. The EU previously noted that only 10 out of 1,900 accreditation requests from local groups were approved.
Meanwhile Voting for Special Interest Groups committees began this week, with general elections for presidential, parliamentary, and local council positions scheduled for January 12 to February 9, 2026.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga affirmed that security preparations for upcoming elections are underway, urging all stakeholders to avoid violence.
“Our priority is maintaining law and order,” Enanga said. “We will fulfill our mandate and expect others to do the same.”