By Frank Kamuntu
Justice Simon Byabakama, the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, has on Wednesday, 2nd August 2023 launched the roadmap for the 2026 general elections, as well as the strategic plan for 2022/2023-2026/2027, at an event held at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
Byabakama revealed some of the key strategic objectives as enhancing inclusive participation and strengthening institutional capacity.
”The Strategic Plan we are launching today is a result of extensive research and stakeholder consultation,” said Byabakama adding; ”we appeal to the Government, particularly Cabinet and the Legislature, to ensure timely amendment and/or enactment of the relevant electoral laws.”
He noted that the Roadmap will enable the various stakeholders in the electoral process to achieve improvement in the planning for participation and implementation of electoral activities, improvement in the coordination of electoral activities, timely implementation of scheduled electoral activities; and, transparency in the implementation of electoral programs and activities.
Rt Hon Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja who was the guest speaker pledged that her office will make sure that the enactment of relevant laws for the 2025/2026 General Elections is done before the end of the 2023/2024 financial year.
”I implore all stakeholders to carefully examine all the timelines as outlined in the Roadmap, and work with the Electoral Commission to smoothly implement the electoral roadmap for 2025/2026 general elections,” noted Nabbanja.
She also called upon all political players to organize themselves in accordance with the roadmap so that they effectively participate in this process.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao who was also a key guest noted thus; ”the issues raised such as the need to enact laws to enable the elections are very vital. These are issues that keep Ugandans waiting.”
He added, ”The EC has been lamenting about civic education. I would want us to focus on civic education. The citizens are the nursery beds for leaders because leaders are picked from citizens. We need to make sure our citizens have civic education.”
