Uganda Election Observation Mission Releases Preliminary Statement

Republic of Uganda Holds General Elections, Observed by AU-COMESA-IGAD Mission

On January 15, 2026, the Republic of Uganda held General Elections to elect the President and Members of Parliament. In response to an invitation from the Ugandan government, the African Union (AU), in collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), deployed an election observation Mission from January 7 to 19, 2026. This followed a Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PAM) conducted by the AU and COMESA from November 17 to 21, 2025.

The AU-COMESA-IGAD EOM was led by H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, assisted by Ambassador Shemsudin Ahmed Roble and Commander Abebe Muluneh Beyene. The Mission comprised 84 Short-Term Observers (STOs) from 27 African countries, representing all five regions of the AU.

Mission Objectives

The joint Mission’s objectives were to assess the extent to which the electoral process complied with national laws, AU principles, and international obligations. They aimed to determine whether the political and security environment was conducive to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections, evaluate the preparedness and performance of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda, and provide recommendations to strengthen future electoral processes. The mission also sought to demonstrate solidarity with the Ugandan people and contribute to peace, stability, good governance, and inclusive development.

Consultations and Observation

The Mission engaged in extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the EC, political parties, the Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Chief Justice, government ministries, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, the Uganda Law Society, the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), and media organizations. The 84 STOs were divided into 32 teams covering all five regions of the country to observe the final phase of campaigns and the opening, voting, closing, and counting procedures on January 15, 2026.

This Preliminary Statement presents the initial findings of the AU-COMESA-IGAD EOM, based on observation and consultations. It analyzes the pre-election environment and Election Day processes and concludes with recommendations to address identified gaps and strengthen future electoral processes. The final report will be submitted to the Government of Uganda within one month.

Political Context

The 2026 elections marked Uganda’s seventh general election since the 1995 Referendum, demonstrating the country’s commitment to periodic elections. The elections were held within a political context characterized by regional polarization. The Mission observed the involvement of military personnel in the electoral process, contrary to the Ugandan Constitution. Additionally, an internet shutdown two days before the elections limited access to information and disrupted observation efforts, creating suspicion and mistrust.

Stakeholders raised concerns regarding restrictions on campaign venues, unequal access to political party funding, biased media coverage, alleged compromised independence of the EC and the Judiciary, costly nomination fees, abductions and arrests of opposition figures, and issues with the voters register. These actions were seen as infringing on political freedoms and contributing to voter apathy. While the political environment showed improvement compared to 2021, more could be done to ensure a level playing field.

Legal Framework

Uganda is party to several international and regional human rights instruments that provide standards for democratic elections. Uganda’s electoral framework is anchored in the 1995 Constitution and supporting laws, including the Electoral Commission Act, the Political Parties and Organisations Act, and the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections Acts. The Constitution affirms popular sovereignty, guarantees universal adult suffrage, and establishes the EC as an independent body.

The Electoral Commission Act provides for the Commission’s independence, while other laws regulate candidate qualifications, campaigns, and the declaration of results. The Mission noted limitations and inconsistencies in the application of some laws, including the absence of comprehensive campaign finance regulations, the exclusion of diaspora voters and prison inmates, and concerns regarding directives for voters to leave polling stations after voting.

The Electoral System

Under Uganda’s electoral system, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of the valid votes cast to be declared elected. For parliamentary elections, the candidate with the most votes is elected. Parliament comprises 529 members, including directly elected members, district-based seats for women, and seats for special interest groups, including youth, workers, persons with disabilities, older persons, and the UPDF.

Election Administration

The Electoral Commission operates within a constitutional and legal framework that provides for its independence and mandate. The 2026 General Elections were fully funded by the Government of Uganda. The Mission commends the government for allocating resources to facilitate the elections.

While the EC launched an electoral roadmap and largely adhered to it, the Mission received concerns regarding the independence of the EC, related to the appointment of Commissioners, financial autonomy, and its dual administrative and quasi-adjudicative roles. Concerns were also raised about the observer accreditation process and boundary delimitation exercises.

Voter education initiatives were implemented by the EC and civil society organizations. The introduction of Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) aimed to prevent multiple voting, but concerns arose regarding misinformation and their functionality.

Campaigns and Campaign Finance

The campaign period began on September 29, 2025, and ended on January 13, 2026. The presidential election was contested by eight candidates, but competition remained uneven. The campaign period was marked by reports of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and excessive force, particularly targeting opposition candidates and supporters.

Uganda lacks a comprehensive legal framework regulating campaign financing, contributing to an uneven playing field.

Women’s Political Participation

Uganda has a legal framework that provides for affirmative action for women, with reserved seats for women district representatives. However, women contesting in competitive constituency seats face systemic barriers, including violence, financial constraints, and cultural norms.

Youth Participation

Uganda’s Constitution sets the minimum age of 18 for voting and 25 for parliamentary candidacy. Five parliamentary seats are reserved for youth representatives. High nomination fees were cited as a barrier for youth participation.

Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities

The Parliamentary Elections Act reserves five parliamentary seats for persons with disabilities, elected through an electoral college. The Mission noted concerns regarding voter education and accessibility of polling stations for persons with disabilities.

Participation of Civil Society Organizations

Over 50 Civil Society Organizations were accredited to provide voter education and election observation. However, the Mission noted a constrained operating environment for civil society, including arrests and restrictions on accreditation.

The Media Coverage of the Electoral Process

Uganda enjoys media pluralism, but the Mission noted biased media coverage, with limited coverage of opposition parties. An internet shutdown two days before the election affected access to information and disrupted observation efforts.

Electoral Disputes

Stakeholders raised concerns regarding the impartiality and independence of the judiciary in handling electoral cases.

Electoral Security

The Mission commends the EC and the UPF for providing security for all presidential candidates. However, concerns were raised about the order issued for voters to leave polling stations immediately after voting, which contradicted existing legal provisions.

Election Day Observation

The AU-COMESA-IGAD EOM observed delays in the opening of most polling stations, primarily due to late arrival of staff and malfunctioning BVVKs. Campaign materials were observed near some polling stations. The Mission noted that most polling stations provided priority voting for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and expectant mothers. Security personnel were present at all polling stations. The counting process was orderly and transparent, with party agents present.

Commendable Practices

The calmness of voters despite delays, the provision of voter registers to political parties, and the high representation of women and youth among polling staff were noted as commendable practices.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Mission commends Uganda’s efforts in holding regular elections. While the environment was calmer than in 2021, concerns were raised regarding harassment, intimidation, and the internet shutdown. The Mission offers the following recommendations:

To the Government: Ratify the ACDEG, safeguard fundamental freedoms, refrain from internet shutdowns, and create a favorable environment for civil society and the media.

To Parliament: Undertake electoral reforms through broad consultations, enacting a campaign finance law, and strengthening the independence of the EC.

To the Electoral Commission: Ensure consistent application of the law, address nomination process pitfalls, consider waivers for women, youth, and candidates with disabilities, improve BVVK functionality, and compensate for lost voting time.

To Security Agencies: Operate within the law, respecting human rights, and refrain from issuing directives outside their mandate.

To Political Parties: Promote internal democracy and equitable access to resources.

Issued in Kampala, Uganda, on January 17, 2026.