By KT Reporter
The Electoral Commission (EC) has urged Ugandans of voting age to exercise their constitutional rights by turning out in large numbers to vote in the 2026 general elections instead of succumbing to apathy or protests. EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi made the appeal following a report by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), which flagged Kampala, Elgon, Lango, Acholi, and Rwenzori as potential hotspots for electoral violence.
The report noted that party rivalries, ethnic divisions, and regional inequalities often fuel electoral conflict, discouraging political participation, especially among youth. Since independence, seven of Uganda’s 11 electoral cycles—about 63%—have been marred by violence. These incidents have intensified since 2001, peaking in 2016 and 2021.
The 2021 elections were particularly violent, leaving at least 50 people dead, with opposition leaders arrested, selective COVID-19 restrictions enforced, arbitrary detentions carried out, and an internet shutdown imposed. According to Afrobarometer, 49% of Ugandans fear electoral violence, while 62% cite political rivalry as the main trigger. Voter turnout has also declined, dropping from 59% in 2016 to 57% in 2021, raising concerns over the credibility of Uganda’s democratic process.
Mucunguzi stressed the costs of voter apathy, both financially and democratically, explaining that ballot paper procurement and other logistics are funded by taxpayers based on the number of registered voters.
Some residents remain disillusioned. Samuel Obal from Namuwongo in Kampala cited instances such as Dr. Olara Otunnu failing to vote for himself in 2011 and President Museveni’s remarks about prioritizing personal interests. “Why should I waste my time voting for such leaders?” Obal asked.
Former MP Beatrice Kiraso also pointed to widespread intolerance and mistrust as barriers to informed voter decisions.
Dr. Elizabeth Lwanga of the Women’s Situation Room (WSR), a women-led initiative to prevent electoral violence, highlighted lack of confidence in the EC, distrust in security agencies, a youth development crisis, and intergenerational divides as drivers of voter apathy.
Pheona Nabasa Gladys Wall, an advocate and mediator, blamed politicians’ self-interest and identity politics for eroding civic awareness and voter engagement.
With the 2026 elections expected to be highly contentious due to past violence, youth unemployment, and rising political intolerance, experts have urged coordinated efforts by government, civil society, and development partners to safeguard democracy.
So far, the EC has cleared eight presidential candidates to contest against incumbent President Yoweri Museveni. On the first day of nominations, Museveni (NRM), Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party), and Robert Kasibante (National Peasants’ Party) were confirmed.
On the second day, Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Gregory Mugisha Muntu (ANT), Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP), Mubarak Munyagwa Sserunga (Common Man’s Party), and Bulira Frank Kabinga (Revolutionary Peoples Party) were also approved after meeting the requirements of the Presidential Elections Act, Cap 179.
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