The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama, has addressed concerns raised by the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership regarding the recent incidents surrounding the Kawempe North by-election campaigns.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, Justice Byabakama revealed that the EC had met with NUP representatives who had formally requested a meeting following a series of violent incidents during the ongoing campaigns.
“We had a meeting with the representatives of the NUP leadership. They raised a number of issues that they had already addressed to us,” Byabakama said.
The issues brought forward by NUP primarily centered around two main points: violence and voter registration discrepancies. Byabakama condemned the violence against NUP supporters and emphasized the EC’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful election process.
“We decried those incidents, and we also indicated the steps we have taken to address them. We had a meeting with the leadership of the security forces, including the Uganda Police Force, on Tuesday to discuss these concerns,” Byabakama added.
Regarding the voter registration concerns, NUP leaders had raised questions about the apparent increase in the number of registered voters in Kawempe North compared to the 2021 elections. Byabakama explained that voter registration had been ongoing since 2021 and was not restricted to a particular year.
“The number of registered voters has been steadily growing, with many Ugandans turning 18 and registering, including those who were first-time voters,” Byabakama explained. “Furthermore, the law permits people to transfer their voting location, which may account for the higher numbers.”
Byabakama also addressed concerns about the EC’s role in the election process, particularly about accusations that the EC was not in full control. He reassured the public that the commission was indeed in charge of organizing and implementing the election activities.
“Yes, we are in charge. We are the ones who drew up the program and set the activities that will be followed,” he stated.
However, Byabakama acknowledged that other stakeholders, including law enforcement and political parties, also had key roles in ensuring the success of the election.
He stressed, “The campaigns, for example, are the responsibility of the candidates and their supporters, while the Uganda Police Force is tasked with ensuring there are no illegal campaign processions on public roads.”
One of the key concerns raised by NOOP was the assurance of a free and fair election in Kawempe North. Byabakama emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together within the confines of the law to ensure a peaceful and democratic election process.
“An election is not just an event on polling day; it is a series of activities leading up to it. Every player must act in accordance with the law to ensure we have a free and fair election,” Byabakama said.
In response to concerns about the integrity of the voting process, especially the possibility of ballot stuffing or manipulation, Byabakama noted that the commission was fully aware of these threats.
“We are aware of the fears and the threats. We are taking measures to ensure they do not occur,” he assured. “We have already discussed with the security forces to ensure adequate deployment, particularly on polling day, to prevent any irregularities.”
The chairman also addressed the issue of “goons” disrupting polling stations in previous by-elections.
“We have seen criminal elements invading polling stations, attempting to grab ballot papers and tampering with the process. We are taking measures to prevent such incidents during the Kawempe North by-election,” Byabakama stated.
Byabakama concluded by reassuring the people of Kawempe North that the Electoral Commission was committed to delivering a free, fair, and peaceful election, with all necessary precautions in place to guarantee the integrity of the voting process. “We will ensure that the ballots counted will be those cast by the legitimate voters of Kawempe North,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, the NUP candidate for Kawempe North, Erias Nalukoola, also expressed concerns regarding the security situation and the role of the Electoral Commission in the unfolding events.
“The most important question is: Who is in charge, the Electoral Commission or armed men? From the moment my official agent was abducted and my documents confiscated, it became clear that the security forces were undermining the electoral process,” Nalukoola said.
He also questioned why the Electoral Commission had not publicly criticized the actions of security forces, which he described as an attack on the democratic process.
