President Museveni Retains Justice Byabakama as Chair of Electoral Commission

President Yoweri Museveni has reappointed Justice Simon Byabakama as the head of the Electoral Commission in a recent decision.

In a letter to the Speaker of Parliament dated January 5, 2024, President Museveni states,

“I have appointed persons listed below as Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and Members of the Electoral Commission respectively, in exercise of the Powers vested in the President by Article 60 (11) of the 1995 Constitution.”

The letter also mentions the reappointment of Hajjati Aisha Lubega as the deputy chairperson and Stephen Tashobya as a commissioner.

Other individuals nominated as members of the Electoral Commission include Dr. Sallie Simba Kayunga, a lecturer at Makerere University, Robert Kasule Ssebunya, former Nansana Municipality MP, Anthony Akol, former Kyoga County MP, and Pamela Etonu Okudi, the former acting head of administration of the EC.

All appointed members are required to undergo vetting and seek approval from the Parliament’s Appointments Committee. The committee, presided over by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Among, will oversee the confirmation process.

In accordance with Article 60 of the constitution, commissioners have a seven-year tenure, with the possibility of renewal for one additional term.