NATIONAL
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), has denied claims that the Commission is turning a blind eye to alleged violent military misconduct against opposition candidates during the ongoing campaigns.
“It’s not that everything we do, we get on the microphone. There are so many things that we do that the public does not see,” Byabakama said.
He made the remarks during a press briefing at the EC headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday. His comments follow a series of incidents in which security operatives have been captured on video assaulting opposition candidates, particularly those from the National Unity Platform (NUP), pepper-spraying supporters, deploying dogs at rallies, and carrying out arbitrary arrests in districts where party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has held campaign activities.
In some videos, police patrol vehicles are seen deliberately knocking Kyagulanyi’s supporters, undressing female supporters, and blocking the NUP leader from accessing previously scheduled rally venues. The incidents have triggered public criticism, with several stakeholders accusing the Commission of remaining silent and alleging that Byabakama’s authority has been overshadowed by the police and military.
However, Byabakama dismissed the accusations as baseless, insisting that the Commission is actively working behind the scenes to ensure non-violent campaigns and credible elections.
“When it is appropriate for us to come out and speak, we speak,” he said.
Despite criticism over its reluctance to publicly condemn excessive use of force by security agencies, Byabakama maintained that the Commission remains fully in control of the electoral process and committed to delivering a transparent, free, fair and credible election.
“We want to assure the country that we are in charge, and we are firmly on course to fulfil our constitutional mandate in accordance with Articles 63 and 64(1) of the Constitution to organise, conduct and provide regular, free and transparent elections,” he added.
The EC chairperson also shifted some blame to opposition candidates, accusing them of contributing to election-related violence by violating electoral guidelines and failing to comply with security protocols. He urged all candidates to adhere to the law and promote a peaceful electoral process.
Uganda has over 21 million registered voters, 53% of whom are women (11 million), while men account for 47% (10 million). Parliamentary and presidential elections are scheduled for January 15, 2026.
