Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, has urged all stakeholders to collaborate in eliminating violence during the upcoming general elections scheduled for 2026.
His call to action came during a press briefing on the preparations for the 2026 elections held at Royal Suites in Bugolobi on Wednesday.
Justice Byabakama asked all participants in the electoral process to denounce all forms of violence, whether rhetorical or physical.
“We need to refrain from all manner of violence, be it physical or verbal,” he stated, I know, the words some of the actors use, either abusive, sectarian, inciting and so on. We need to build a culture of respect for the rule of law and following guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission.” He stated
He stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law and adhering to the guidelines set by the Electoral Commission.
“It is unfortunate that some political actors do not want to recognize the role of the Electoral Commission.To create an environment of normalcy during the electoral process, they simply are dismissive of the Commission and make utterances to the public that to bring the Commission to disrepute or to be, for whatever they undertake to do, to be ignored by the public, which is unfortunate. Byabakama remarked.
He called on all parties to work towards a peaceful electoral process, reminding everyone that elections are just one aspect of the country’s existence.
“Elections will come and go, but the country will remain. What kind of country will remain? Is it one which is torn apart by violence during the concluded electoral process? Or is it one that remains peaceful, stable, and secure for all?” he posed.
Justice Byabakama pointed out the detrimental effects of election-related violence on the nation’s stability and security. He called for the identification and isolation of individuals who perpetrate violence, stressing that maintaining peace and security is a collective responsibility.
“The advent of violence during elections should be of concern to every individual in this country who feels that they have a stake in this country,” he asserted. He noted that violence not only deters voters but also threatens businesses and disrupts livelihoods.” said Byabakama
“We should ensure that that environment which enables me to come out and carry on with their trade, which enables the businessmen, women to do whatever they do, which enables our farmers to move their produce from one part of the country to the other, and so on and so forth. That environment to me is the most critical aspect of the existence of a nation.” he stated
Furthermore, he warned that the fear of violence could discourage investors, constraining economic opportunities. He reiterated the importance of ensuring a secure, safe, and stable Uganda before, during, and after the elections.
Justice Byabakama also highlighted the critical role of the media in combating election violence.
“The media, have a critical role to play. Just like you have played a role in many of these social issues, health issues, like AIDS, the media played a key role in propagating the message, the alarm, and all the dangers of this pandemic or this disease. Similarly, when it comes to violence, the media have a key role to play, we believe.”He added
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