The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) unveiled its strategic plan and roadmap for the 2026 general elections today.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Today, the Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) introduced the national strategic plan and roadmap for the 2026 general elections.
The EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon: The Roadmap will enable the various stakeholders in the electoral process to achieve the following:
a) Improvement in the planning for participation and implementation of electoral activities;#ECRoadmap20261/2 pic.twitter.com/2YG0A5rrBT
— Electoral Commission- Uganda (@UgandaEC) August 2, 2023
Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi explained that the objective is to enhance operational efficiency, stakeholder awareness, and participation, building on positive reforms from the last elections.
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“The Commission appeals to the Government to consider and approve the creation of new administrative units in a timely manner so that the electoral program and budget are not destabilized,” Mr. Byabakama said.
The plans also target improving organizational and staff capacity planning.
The launch, held at Hotel Africana in Kampala, emphasized the extensive research and stakeholder consultations behind the plans.
Following the 2020/2021 general election, the commission conducted post-election evaluation workshops nationwide to gather honest assessments.
Byabakama cautioned political parties against campaign frenzy, urging adherence to the commission’s regulated program for peaceful co-existence.
He expressed gratitude for the nation’s support during the 2020/2021 general election, navigating Covid-19 challenges.
The Electoral Commission’s mandate is to ensure regular, free, and fair elections and referenda, as per the 1995 Constitution of Uganda.
Various activities must adhere to specific timelines for effective planning, management, and organization.
The strategic plan aims to enhance citizen participation, stakeholder collaboration, free and fair elections, and information sharing.
Specific goals, activities, budget estimates, and timelines guide preparations for the 2025/2026 General Elections.
Byabakama stressed timely amendment/enactment of electoral laws and approval for new administrative units for a smooth election process.
He thanked the government and development partners for funding the Electoral Commission, urging continued timely funding.
The strategic plan and roadmap are crucial steps towards improving Uganda’s electoral process.
They focus on operational efficiency, stakeholder awareness, and democratic participation.
Stakeholders must now plan and work diligently towards the outlined goals.
In the same vein, EC secretary Mr. Leonard Mulekwah advocated for updating the national voters’ register by January 2025, with the nomination of presidential candidates scheduled for 2nd to 3rd October 2025, in accordance with the Presidential Elections Act.
He expressed hope for the demarcation of electoral areas to be completed by July 2024.
This launch aligns with the Commission’s mandate, derived from Articles 60 and 61 of the Constitution, to organize, conduct, and supervise regular, free, and fair elections and referenda, among other functions.
The EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon: The detailed objectives of this Strategic Plan are to:
a) Enhance inclusive citizen participation in the electoral process;
b) Strengthen stakeholder collaboration and engagement in the electoral process;#ECRoadmap20261/2 pic.twitter.com/6E09ZkaZB3
— Electoral Commission- Uganda (@UgandaEC) August 2, 2023
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