The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has demanded the immediate resignation and prosecution of Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, accusing him of presiding over an election process marred by widespread irregularities during the recently concluded 2026 polls.
The call was made on Tuesday during the launch of the ULS 2026 election observation report, which cited major procedural and administrative failures, alongside heavy militarisation, as factors that undermined the credibility of the electoral process.
According to the report, ULS observed irregularities in voter verification, poor handling of candidate nominations, and interference by security agencies—issues the lawyers say violated citizens’ constitutional rights and compromised the integrity of the elections.
The report also raised concerns over the failure of Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs), procured at a cost of more than Shs150 billion, which reportedly malfunctioned at several polling stations.
“Justice Byabakama and his team have failed to deliver free, fair and credible elections. They must resign,” said Eddie Nangulu, the ULS council representative for Eastern Uganda.
ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe warned that restrictions imposed under the guise of “national security” should not be used to limit fundamental freedoms and democratic rights.
However, the Electoral Commission has defended its conduct, insisting it carried out its duties within the law. EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi urged critics to seek redress through legal channels.
The ULS report has reignited national debate over the independence and accountability of the Electoral Commission, with opposition leaders and civil society groups renewing calls for sweeping electoral reforms.
