Uganda Electoral Commission’s Term Ends, Await President Museveni’s Appointment for 2026 Elections”

Kampala, January 8, 2024 — In a significant development, the term of the current Electoral Commission in Uganda has officially ended, marking the conclusion of its seven-year tenure. The Commission, appointed by President Museveni on January 7, 2017, is responsible for overseeing the electoral processes in the country.

As the nation stands on the brink of a crucial political juncture, President Museveni is yet to appoint a new Electoral Commission to manage and supervise the upcoming 2026 general elections. The current Commission, led by Chairman Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, Deputy Chairperson Hajjat Aisha Lubega, and five other members, has played a pivotal role in guiding the electoral landscape since its appointment.

Paul Bukenya, the spokesperson for the Electoral Commission, addressed the press on Monday afternoon, stating, “What we have now is the end of the term of office of the current Commission. What happens next is a matter before the appointment authority (President).”

Under Article 60 of the 1995 Constitution, the Electoral Commission is constituted by the Chairman, Deputy Chairperson, and five other members appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament, along with a Secretariat headed by the Secretary. The current members, including Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama and others, have served their mandated seven-year term, which expired on January 8, 2024.

According to the Constitution, “the members of the Commission shall hold office for seven years, and their appointment may be renewed for one more term only.” As of Tuesday, the Electoral Commission had not received a renewal letter from the appointing authority.

The outgoing Commission, led by Byabakama’s team, oversaw the 2021 general election and had already rolled out the roadmap for the 2026 elections. The nation now eagerly awaits President Museveni’s decision on the new appointment, as the electoral landscape gears up for the next chapter in Uganda’s democratic process.