UHRC leads stakeholder pact for peaceful 2026 elections
Key institutions responsible for managing Uganda’s 2026 general elections have jointly pledged to ensure a credible, peaceful, and transparent process. The assurance was made during a Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) press briefing held under the theme “Building synergies and committing to peaceful, free and fair elections for the good of all.”
Opening the joint press conference, UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya said the country is now just six weeks away from Election Day on 15 January 2026, and that all actors must reaffirm their commitment to a Uganda where citizens exercise choice freely. She highlighted emerging trends that pose risks to peace, security and human rights, including the rise of youth groups acting as vigilantes and political foot soldiers, particularly in the central region; expressions of identity-based politics; the spread of misinformation; and gender-related constraints on political participation.
“We have noted the rise of youth groups acting as vigilantes and political foot soldiers, particularly in the central region. These groups are unlawful, dangerous, and incompatible with a democratic process,” she said. Wangadya stressed that the State must guarantee that every eligible Ugandan can register and vote without hindrance, including persons with disabilities and those from vulnerable and marginalized communities. She added that even children, though they do not vote, must be protected from the indirect harms of electoral tension and disorder.
She called on all stakeholders – political parties and candidates, the electorate, security agencies and the media – to work together to ensure that the 2026 elections become “a celebration of democracy, not a contest of hostility.”
The briefing brought together representatives from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the Uganda Police Force, the Electoral Commission (EC), as well as civil society organizations, the Inter-Religious Council, media practitioners, and members of the general public, who jointly outlined their roles in promoting order, accountability, and responsible communication ahead of the general elections.
UCC calls for responsible use of digital platforms
Dr. Abudu Sallam Waiswa, Head of Litigation, Prosecution and Legal Advisory at UCC, highlighted the increasing influence of digital media and warned that online communication must meet standards of fairness and factual accuracy. He noted that individuals running YouTube channels, livestreams, or social media pages now have the same impact as mainstream broadcasters.
Waiswa stressed that all communication, regardless of platform, is ultimately information that must be fair, factual and responsible. He said technology has made “almost everyone a journalist,” meaning online creators can have the same societal impact as major media houses even without formal training or licensing. This, he explained, is why UCC provides regulatory guidance and encourages online operators to formalize their activities through appropriate licensing categories, including those for radio, TV and online platforms.
He emphasized that registration and compliance should not be seen as attacks on freedom but as avenues to enhance credibility, attract business and safeguard users. Many online operators, he noted, have already complied and are operating professionally, while others remain hesitant.
Addressing the 2021 suspension of Facebook, Waiswa explained that the platform was being used to distribute what authorities deemed unacceptable and divisive content, including materials that would normally be restricted on broadcast media. He said government made several attempts to engage Meta’s management, but discussions stalled at the time.
Despite the suspension, he revealed that about 1.4 million Ugandans continue to access Facebook using VPNs. He cautioned that VPN use does not shield users from accountability, noting that UCC can still identify activity on the platform:
“Technology enables us to know who is using Facebook. If you violate the law on that platform, you are not immune simply because it is officially suspended.”
Waiswa added that ongoing discussions between government and Meta provide hope that Facebook may be reinstated once outstanding concerns are addressed. In the meantime, he urged Ugandans to use all communication platforms responsibly, warning that misuse can prompt regulatory action affecting millions of users.
Electoral Commission emphasizes need for fact-based information
Electoral Commission spokesperson Mucunguzi Julius urged Ugandans to exercise free expression responsibly across all platforms. He said the Commission’s goal is to ensure voters have access to accurate, verified information.
He noted the rapid growth of digital media use in Uganda, including more than 10 million users on TikTok and at least 3 million on X. He stressed that misinformation can inflame tensions during elections and asked the public to reflect on the accuracy and fairness of the content they share.
Police vows to uphold rights while maintaining public order
The Uganda Police Force, represented by Ag. Director CP Dinah Kyasimire, addressed concerns over confrontations between security officers and political supporters. She said the police aim to protect the rights of all citizens but must also act within legal and security frameworks.
Kyasimire acknowledged past incidents in which clashes resulted in injuries and fatalities, calling them operational mistakes that the police regretted. She reiterated that such outcomes are not intentional and that officers are continually guided on how to manage tense situations during campaigns.
When asked about allegations that police disproportionately restrict opposition candidates, she maintained that security directives are informed by risk assessments rather than political motives.
The briefing concluded with a collective appeal for responsible communication, respect for electoral laws and guidelines, and cooperation between the public and institutions. The stakeholders said Uganda’s 2026 elections can only be peaceful and credible if all actors adhere to legal processes and work to prevent unnecessary tension.
