Govt, key stakeholders sign historic pact to curb electoral violence ahead of 2026 polls

Kampala, (UG):- Government stakeholders, including ministers, civil society organizations, media representatives, and human rights defenders have signed the ‘Declaration of the Alliance Against Electoral Violence’ aimed at avoiding a repeat of the violence that marred the recently concluded Kawempe North By-Election ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections.

During the signing ceremony that took place on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Uganda Law Society House in Kampala, the different stakeholders committed themselves to advocacy, legal aid for victims, accountability for perpetrators, and strengthening institutions to prevent and respond to election-related violence in the country’s future polls.

“We, the undersigned representatives of the Uganda Law Society, Government, civil society, media, and human rights organizations, come together to condemn electoral violence in all its forms and to pledge our collective efforts towards preventing and mitigating its occurrence in Uganda,” the stakeholders stated in a joint statement on Thursday afternoon.

Among others, the signed declaration emphasizes the fundamental right of citizens to participate in peaceful and free elections, underscoring the importance of upholding the rule of law and democratic principles.

The pact also acknowledges the history of electoral violence in Uganda, which has continuously undermined trust in democratic institutions, and notes the disproportionate impact on women, journalists, and marginalized communities.

Noting how disproportionate impact of electoral violence on women, journalists, and marginalized communities, and the need for targeted measures to protect these groups, the signatories have committed to several key actions including;

1. Promoting peaceful elections through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
2. Supporting victims of electoral violence by providing legal aid, counselling, and other necessary assistance.
3. Holding perpetrators accountable through thorough investigations, prosecutions, and appropriate sanctions.
4. Strengthening institutional capacity to prevent and respond to electoral violence, including training for law enforcement, judiciary, and electoral officials.

The Declaration signing was witnessed by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, who represented the government, and Senior Superintendent of Police, SSP Donald Muhwezi, who reaffirmed the Uganda Police Force’s commitment to upholding law and order during elections.

Also present was The chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters Uganda, Dr. Nahabwe Innocent along with media representatives, including Abubaker Lubowa, a journalist with Nation Media Group who was among the victims of recent electoral violence. Other notable signatories included human rights activists Sarah Bireete, Robert Ssempala, and Pius Katunzi, as well as Uganda Law Society Vice President, Mr Asiimwe Anthony.

Speaking after the signing, Minister Norbert Mao described the pact as a historic step toward fostering democracy and eliminating electoral violence, noting that it was imperative for all stakeholders to work together to ensure a peaceful political environment.

“All the citizens have the obligation to protect the Constitution, and that is why you are going to court now that the linesmen in there are going to raise the flag. The government was taken to court over court-martial, and the court raised the flag, and that is the right address where that matter should be debated. Otherwise, disobeying the law is rampant.”

“What we need to know for sure is that it is our duty as citizens to continue insisting that the right thing be done, even when we don’t have the power, apparently, to make a big change that one is just an apparent thing,” Hon Mao stated.

Civil society leaders echoed his sentiments and called upon political parties, security forces, and voters to uphold the principles of fairness, tolerance, and respect for human rights during the 2026 elections.

The signing of this pact comes in the wake of the recent Kawempe North by-election, which was marred by violent clashes, voter suppression, and attacks on at least 18 journalists from various media houses drawing condemnation from human rights groups and international organizations.

Further reports from the Uganda Human Rights Commission revealed instances of intimidation, ballot stuffing, and police brutality, which raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process. Religious leaders, civil society actors, and the legal fraternity have since called for urgent reforms to safeguard the integrity of future elections.

Last week, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) also spoke out on the escalating violence and human rights violations during the by-election campaigns, calling on security forces to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles.

As Uganda moves closer to its next general elections, it remains to be seen if this pact will come out successful, especially with the scars of past election-related violence still fresh in the minds of the Ugandan electorate.