By Frank Kamuntu
HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has nominated three new members to Uganda’s Electoral Commission to superintendent over the 2026 general elections.
Among the lucky commissioners include: Makerere Political Science and Public Administration lecturer, Dr Ssimba Ssali Kayunga, former Kyoga County MP Anthony Okello and EC’s Acting Head of Administration, Pamela Etonu Okudi.
In the same move, Museveni re-appointed EC chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, Hajjat Aisha Lubega (deputy chairperson); and Stephen Tashobya and one of the commissioners to stay in their seats and prepare for the 2026 elections.
The Electoral Commission (EC) offices have been vacant for three days since the commissioners’ tenure ended on January 7, putting all policy-related activities on hold.
“The management and staff of the Electoral Commission congratulate the Members of the Commission on the successful completion of their term of office for the period 7 January 2017 to 7 January 2024,” the Electoral Commission (EC) said in a release.
The Electoral Commission
The Electoral Commission was set up under Article 60 of the 1995 Constitution of The Republic of Uganda. It consists of the Chairman, Deputy Chairperson and five other members appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament and a Secretariat headed by the Secretary.
The functions of the EC are outlined under Article 61 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda as follows;
(a) To ensure that regular, free and fair elections are held;
(b) To organize, conduct and supervise elections and referenda in accordance with the Constitution;
(c) To demarcate constituencies in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution;
(d) To ascertain, publish and declare in writing under its seal the results of the elections and referenda;
(e) To compile, maintain, revise and update the voters’ register;
(f) To hear and determine election complaints arising before and during polling;
(g) To formulate and implement voter educational programmes relating to elections; and
(h) To perform such other functions as may be prescribed by Parliament by law;
Activities Of The Electoral Commission
1. Organizing, conducting and supervising various elections and referenda;
2. Compiling, maintaining, revising and updating:
a) The National Voters’ Register continuously
b) The various registers for Special Interest Groups
3. Producing and issuing voters’ cards;
4. Compiling and updating the various Voters’ Registers for Special Interest Groups and Administrative units;
5. Developing effective civic education programmes related to elections;
6. Reviewing all electoral laws in order to come up with appropriate recommendations on amendments;
7. Recruiting qualified personnel and training them in the management of elections;
8. Hearing and determining election complaints arising before and during polling; and
9. Demarcating of constituencies and electoral areas.
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