Kampala, (UG): President Museveni has reappointed Justice Simon Byabakama as the chairperson of the Electoral Commission and retained Hajjati Aisha Lubega as his Deputy ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Mr Museveni in a January 5 letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anita Among also retained Mr Stephen Tashobya as a member of the commission but appointed other members to the electoral board.
The new members who join Tashobya on the board include; Makerere University’s Political Science and Public Administration lecturer, Dr Sallie Simba Kayunga, former Kyoga County MP Anthony Okello, former Nansana Municipality MP, Robert Kasule Sebunya.
These replace Mr Peter Emorut, Ms Nathaline Etomaru and Hajj Mustapha Ssebagala who have been dropped. The President also appointed the commission’s Acting Head of Administration Pamela Etonu Okudi to the board.
“In the exercise of the powers vested in the President by Article 60 (1) of the 1995 constitution, I have appointed persons listed below as Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and members of the Electoral Commission respectively,” President Museveni’s letter reads in part.
Byabakama’s term expired on Sunday, January 7, 2024, marking seven years in office since being appointed in 2017 replacing Dr Eng Badru Kiggundu who oversaw two terms in office as the EC boss.
During his first tenure, Justice Byabakama and his team organized and oversaw the 2021 polls which saw the incumbent; President Museveni defeat National Unity Platform’s Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine in a hotly contested election.
Although controversy arose early this week concerning his reappointment and that of the commission members, the President’s reaffirmation of faith in him confirms he will be in charge of the 2026 general elections.
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 EC appointees will have to be vetted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee chaired by Ms Among, before they are confirmed into office.
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