Kampala, (UG): President Museveni, the authority vested with the powers to appoint the Electoral Commissioners is yet to appoint a new commission following the expiry of the current Commission’s 7-year term of office.
The current Commission was appointed by President Museveni on January 7, 2017, which means the term of office expired on Sunday, January 07, 2023.
The current team is headed by Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama as the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson; Hajjat Aisha Basajjanaku Lubega; and five commissioners; Peter Emorut; Justine Ahabwe Mugabi; Stephen Tashobya; Sebaggala Mustapha Kigozi; and Nathaline Etomaru. Mr Mulekwah R. J. Leonard is the Secretary to the Commission.
Byabakama’s team presided over the 2021 general election and last year rolled out the 2026 election roadmap, but according to the EC Spokesperson, Mr Paul Bukenya, what happens next after the term expiry is a matter before the President.
“What we have now is the end of term of office of the current Commission. What happens next is a matter before the appointment authority (President),” Mr Bukenya said.
With the stalled appointment of a new team, this means there is currently no team to superintend the upcoming 2026 general elections which have already gained momentum on the ground.
The Uganda Electoral Commission established under Article 60 of the 1995 Constitution is headed by the Chairman, the Deputy Chairperson and five other commissioners appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament and a Secretariat headed by the Secretary.
The Constitution dictates that; “the members of the Commission shall hold office for seven years, and their appointment may be renewed for one more term only,” but as of Tuesday, the EC had not received its contract renewal letter from the appointing authority.
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