Key institutions charged with protecting democracy and security have pledged to work together to ensure that Uganda’s 2026 general elections are peaceful, credible, and respectful of human rights.
The commitment was made during a high-level meeting at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) headquarters in Kampala, where UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya hosted Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama and Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba.
Wangadya stressed that free and fair elections can only be achieved when citizens’ rights are guaranteed. She pointed to freedoms of assembly, expression, and voter privacy as central to building public trust in the electoral process. “Our role is to assure Ugandans that their rights will not be trampled during campaigns or on polling day,” she said.
Justice Byabakama noted that collaboration with human rights and security institutions strengthens the EC’s mandate. He explained that transparent processes, supported by credible enforcement and rights monitoring, would help reduce tensions and boost confidence in the outcomes.
IGP Byakagaba pledged that the police will act professionally and remain neutral, assuring Ugandans that security agencies will protect both candidates and voters. He emphasized that intimidation and fear have no place in a democratic process.
The three institutions agreed to establish clear mechanisms for reporting, investigating, and addressing electoral violations. Civil society organizations will also be engaged as independent observers and partners in accountability.
Political analysts say the joint commitment could ease long-standing public concerns about election-related violence and rights abuses. However, they caution that the true test will be whether the promises are matched by actions on the ground, including how law enforcement handles opposition activities and whether rights violations are promptly addressed.
With the 2026 elections expected to be highly competitive, the tripartite alliance between the EC, police, and UHRC signals a unified front, one aimed at assuring Ugandans that their voices will be heard in an environment of peace and fairness.