Electoral Commission Exposed | Failure to Organise Elections

Uganda’s 2026 general elections represent a critical moment in the country’s political evolution, taking place amid long-standing debates about governance, democratic accountability, and institutional independence. The elections include contests for the presidency, Parliament, and local government councils, and they come after nearly four decades of leadership under President Yoweri Museveni. Public interest in the process has been high, particularly among younger voters who continue to push for political reform and greater transparency.

The political environment leading up to the 2026 elections has been marked by tension and polarisation. President Museveni sought another term in office, while opposition figures, most notably Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, positioned themselves as alternatives advocating change and generational transition. Campaign activities unfolded under tight security conditions, reflecting both the competitive nature of the race and the state’s emphasis on maintaining order.

At the centre of the electoral process is Uganda’s Electoral Commission, a constitutional body mandated to organise, conduct, and supervise all elections and referenda. Its responsibilities include voter registration, nomination and clearance of candidates, management of polling and tallying processes, and the official declaration of results. The Commission is also tasked with ensuring that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, consistent with the Constitution and electoral laws.

In preparation for the 2026 elections, the Electoral Commission undertook nationwide voter registration and register updates, recruited temporary election staff, and distributed electoral materials across thousands of polling stations. The Commission announced polling dates well in advance and issued guidelines governing campaigns, voting procedures, and vote counting. These preparations were presented as evidence of institutional readiness and administrative competence.

Despite these efforts, the conduct of the elections raised significant concerns. On polling day, several areas experienced delays in opening polling stations, largely due to logistical challenges and failures of biometric voter verification machines. In response, election officials in some locations reverted to manual voter identification procedures, a decision that sparked debate about consistency, accuracy, and the potential for abuse.

The broader political and security context further complicated the electoral process. A nationwide internet shutdown was imposed around the election period, with authorities citing security and public order considerations. Critics argued that the blackout limited transparency, restricted access to information, and hindered independent monitoring of the vote. Heavy security deployments, particularly in urban centres, also fuelled perceptions of intimidation and unequal political space.

Opposition parties and civil society organisations raised allegations of irregularities, including obstruction of polling agents, voter intimidation, and procedural inconsistencies. They questioned the independence of the Electoral Commission and argued that structural and operational weaknesses undermined public confidence in the process. The Commission, however, maintained that it acted within the law and made necessary adjustments to ensure that eligible voters were not disenfranchised.

As results were compiled and announced, attention shifted to the post-election phase, including the handling of complaints and potential legal challenges. The credibility of the Electoral Commission’s actions during this period remains central to public trust in the electoral system. How disputes are addressed, how transparently results are communicated, and how institutions respond to criticism will shape both domestic and international perceptions of the 2026 elections.

In conclusion, Uganda’s 2026 elections highlight enduring tensions between institutional authority and public confidence in democratic processes. The Electoral Commission occupies a pivotal role, not only as an administrator of elections but also as a symbol of electoral integrity. The events surrounding the 2026 polls underscore the need for continued debate and reform aimed at strengthening independence, transparency, and trust in Uganda’s electoral governance.