Who is enjoying this campaign season the peace, the calmness, and the generally organized atmosphere? Beyond the colourful rallies and the political excitement lies a quieter story: the scrutiny surrounding the Electoral Commission (EC). For years, questions of fairness have shaped political conversations, often overshadowing the institution’s work and casting doubt on its independence. Yet what is often overlooked is that the EC has, over time, implemented a series of deliberate reforms to strengthen credibility. The real question is no longer whether public distrust exists, but whether the Commission is doing enough to confront it. Increasingly, the evidence suggests that it is.
The procurement of 60,000 new Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) is one of the most significant upgrades in Uganda’s electoral history. Unlike the older tablets that drew criticism from Parliament and opposition actors, the new devices combine fingerprint and facial recognition to eliminate double voting, impersonation, and loopholes previously exploited.
The kits come with extended-power batteries, ensuring functionality even in remote or low-power areas. This upgrade is not cosmetic; it is a direct response to past weaknesses. By rejecting substandard proposals and opting for machines that meet international standards, the EC has demonstrated its commitment to a transparent, technology-driven voting process. For the opposition, this means stronger safeguards. For the ruling NRM, it means cleaner, more defensible victories. Technology becomes a neutral referee.
The EC has also widened access for both national and international observers, operating under Section 16(1) of the Electoral Commission Act. Accredited observers will receive official identification granting access to polling stations and tally centers.
This transparency is critical. It reassures opposition groups that the process is being watched and documented, while also protecting the integrity of lawful victories for the ruling party. In short, transparency benefits everyone.
The Commission has shown fairness even in tense political moments. When NUP’s Robert Kyagulanyi faced nomination challenges, the EC processed and cleared him according to the law. When candidate Walukaga raised concerns over documentation, the EC facilitated verification to ensure he met requirements.
These decisions are not political favors they reflect the Commission’s duty to apply the law consistently across the board.
The EC’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan outlines deeper stakeholder engagement, improved service delivery, and stronger monitoring and evaluation. These are long-term reforms meant to build trust steadily, not theatrically, and to make the Commission more responsive to all political actors.
Public distrust cannot be denied, but neither can the EC’s efforts to confront it. If the current measures are implemented with the seriousness they deserve, Uganda may be on the path to one of its most credible electoral processes yet, where both opposition supporters and NRM loyalists can say with confidence that their vote truly counted.