Uganda’s Electoral Commission has assured the country of a swift, transparent, and secure electoral process ahead of the January 15 presidential and parliamentary elections, saying the winner of the presidential race will be announced within 48 hours after polls close.
Speaking ahead of voting day, Justice Simon Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), said all systems are in place to ensure timely tallying and declaration of results.
“The elected presidential candidate will be declared within 48 hours from the closure of the polls,” Justice Byabakama said.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh term in office against several challengers, including opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Justice Byabakama explained that results from polling stations will be transmitted through district tally centres before being compiled at the national tally centre, a process he said enhances transparency and accountability.
He also outlined voting procedures, noting that each voter will receive three ballot papers. “Each voter will receive one ballot paper for the Presidential election, one for the District Woman Member of Parliament, and one for the Directly Elected Member of Parliament. Each ballot will be cast into a separate, clearly marked ballot box,” he explained.
According to the EC chairperson, each polling station will be staffed by seven polling officials, including an election constable, all of whom will be clearly identifiable to voters and observers.
“Every polling station will have seven polling officials, including an election constable, and all officials will be clearly identifiable,” Justice Byabakama said.
Security agencies, led by the Uganda Police Force and supported by other forces, have pledged to ensure safety during the voting process, amid concerns over potential violence and disinformation. Voters have been advised to cast their ballots peacefully and leave polling stations immediately after voting.
Meanwhile, international observers, including teams from the African Union and other regional and international bodies, have arrived in the country to monitor the elections.
Justice Byabakama reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting peaceful, free, and fair elections and called on all stakeholders to play their part.
“We call upon voters, political actors, security agencies, observers, the media, and the general public to work together to ensure a peaceful, credible, free, and fair electoral process,” he said.
He also urged the media to uphold professionalism and promote peace in their reporting before, during, and after the elections. “The media must be guided by professionalism and promote peace and stability for the good of the country,” Justice Byabakama added.
