NEWS– The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi has emphasized the need of all people actively engaging and respecting the electoral process.
The EC boss was addressing stakeholders in Kigezi Region during a Regional Dialogue on 2026 General Elections aimed at reflecting on reasons why the country usually experiences voter apathy in an election.
In a Dialogue meeting organized by Kick Corruption out Of Uganda (KICK-U), held at White Horse Inn Kabale on Monday stakeholders highlighted a number of incidents experienced during the electoral periods including; Harassment by the security personnel, vote rigging, Kidnap of the opposition members among others.
Responding to the queries raised, Justice Simon Byabakama said that it’s very important for all citizens to participate in combating voter bribery, and upholding electoral laws.
Speaking to the Media after the engagement, the Executive Director Kick Corruption out Of Uganda (KICK-U) Kakuru Robert Byamugisha said that they organized a citizens stakeholders election meeting for the election stakeholders to sit together and discuss issues that affect democracy in Uganda and Kigezi in particular.
He added that a core reason for the meeting was to reflect on why Uganda usually experiences voter apathy, citing a scenario during the 2021 general elections where about 18 million people registered as voters but only 11 million showed up to vote.
“In 2021 general elections about 18 million Ugandans registered as voters but 11 million Ugandans participated in the election where the seven are? Why couldn’t they participate in making decisions to elect their Leaders or Participate in the Election and these are some of the reflections we have been having and that’s why we even have the academia to analyze it academically and see what’s going on” said Kakuru Robert Byamugisha.
Kakuru Robert further said that Part of the action points discussed was to promote the partnership and collaborations with Uganda Electoral Commission and Uganda Human Rights Commission to promote Civic education and voter education.
The Dialogue was attended by a variety of stakeholders including the security, the civil society organizations, the local government leaders, the Political Leaders, academia and among others.
