Peaceful Elections in Uganda: IPOD Lessons from the Kawempe North byelections

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OPINION

By Lawrence K. Sserwambala, PhD

As Uganda approaches another election cycle, the importance of conducting peaceful elections cannot be overstated. Electoral processes form the cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in leadership selection.

However, as a country, we continue experiencing electoral challenges, including political violence, voter intimidation, and limited civic engagement. These issues not only threaten national stability and security but also the consolidation of democratic gains made over time especially since 2006 when we held the first multiparty elections under the NRM leadership.

By their very nature, elections should be a moment of national unity, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic rights freely and fairly. Unfortunately, Uganda has faced instances of electoral malpractices, conflict, and violence which have left the country more divided. These challenges have undermined the legitimacy of electoral outcomes and eroded public trust in democratic institutions. Peaceful elections are essential for ensuring stability, social cohesion and economic development which have at times been disrupted by electoral violence.

When Uganda embraced multipartyism in 2005, I believe that a majority of Ugandans wanted to belong but did not know the extent and implications of belonging to a political party and what it requires of them. Afrobarometer (2024) observed that Ugandan citizens are among Africa's strongest supporters of multiparty politics, yet they also reported experiencing high levels of violence due to multiparty competition. This paradox is what all Ugandans must seek to crack, lest we justify the increasing calls for a return to individual merit under the movement system.

The same Afrobarometer report observed that Uganda ranks among the top countries in Africa where citizens fear becoming a victim of political intimidation or violence during elections, citing a case of the 2021 elections, where citizens felt that both opposition and ruling party supporters were likely perpetrators, with opposition party supporters or leaders mostly accounting for 41%, Ruling party supporters or leaders accounting for 29% and both opposition and ruling party in equal measure accounting for 21%. This is an undesirable situation that should worry all regardless of political affiliation.

The recent Kawempe North byelections provided critical lessons on Uganda’s electoral process. The byelection, held amid heightened political tensions, demonstrated both strengths and weaknesses in the country’s democratic landscape.

The heavy security deployment during the byelection raised concerns over potential intimidation and restricted political activity. I believe that all Ugandans agree that security deployment during elections is essential for order and giving assurance that the situation is under control.

However, excessive force and selective enforcement may undermine free participation. This is a discussion that has been held in some of the IPOD engagements where proposals have been made including establishing an elections unit within the Police that would have direct command from the Electoral Commission. It is important that this discussion be escalated to collectively define parameters and the extent of security agencies in this cause.

The byelection saw strong political mobilization efforts, but also instances of misinformation and voter suppression. Political parties must educate their supporters on peaceful participation and avoid inflammatory rhetoric. Political parties across the board need to examine and investigate why less than 40% of registered voters actually voted and why the rest opted to keep away.

Even if it were to be argued that the violence which was witnessed at some polling stations kept some voters away, we cannot conclude that elsewhere it didn’t occur, the turn up was 100%. Is it time to think of alternative electoral systems?

Like was the case with the Kawempe North byelections, tensions often remain high even after the announcement of results. We have witnessed situations where the disgruntled voters have even engaged security agencies because they feel dissatisfied with the outcomes, a trend that is often times fueled by the leaders.

Political leaders must take responsibility for de-escalating conflicts and prioritizing national unity. Decency requires that such leaders should not inflame and exploit already fragile and combustible situations but work at addressing and calming their supporters to seek nonviolent means of resolving such conflicts through courts of law and dialogue. 

The Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) has over time played a critical role in causing post-election reconciliation. The test of IPOD’s capacity for post-election reconciliation in 2021 following the electoral violence and subsequent arrests of various individuals attests to this capacity. One of the ways of ensuring peaceful elections is by promoting inter-party dialogue, fostering consensus, and advocating for democratic reforms which have been mainstays and core elements of IPOD’s work.

As a country, we are increasingly becoming a society that is intolerant to others not only politically but also in other aspects of our differences. We ought to collectively cultivate a culture of political tolerance. Inter-party peace dialogues, sensitization campaigns, and leadership forums that emphasize peaceful political competition are some of the innovative ways that IPOD has emphasized amongst member parties.

Unfortunately, while the leaders see and appreciate the value of working together, the ordinary supporters go for each other’s necks. Beyond encouraging political leaders to commit to peaceful conduct and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, we also need to examine why leaders show restraint and willingness to tolerate each other while the supporters show increased animosity towards each other.

A well-informed electorate is a pillar of peaceful elections. At no point will Uganda have peaceful elections if the citizens have deliberately chosen to snub everything that would make them better poised to make informed electoral decisions. IPOD has on several occasions and continues to collaborate with civil society organizations to conduct voter education campaigns, empowering citizens with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities.

It is also important that political parties, working with other stakeholders and security agencies to prevent election-related violence, commit to and support early warning systems that monitor potential flashpoints.

Development partners such as the European Union (EU) among others have on several occasions volunteered this data, which unfortunately hasn’t been made good use of. In any electoral process, it is imperative that political parties and other actors work closely with security agencies, election observers, and community leaders to identify risks and implement rapid response measures to defuse tensions before they escalate.

Political parties must embrace issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to exciting voters, violence or intimidation. Leaders should use their platforms to promote peace, respect for electoral outcomes, and national unity. Similarly, citizens should reject violence, verify election-related information before sharing it, and participate constructively in electoral processes.

Peaceful elections are not just about avoiding violence; they are about strengthening democracy, ensuring stability, and fostering national development. The Kawempe North byelection provided valuable lessons on the importance of free and fair electoral processes. IPOD remains steadfast in its mission to bridge political divides, advocate for democratic reforms, and promote inclusive participation in Uganda’s electoral processes.

The Afrobarometer (2024) report indicated that 62% of Ugandans support for dialogue over election related disputes or disagreements As we approach the 2026 elections, all stakeholders must work together to ensure that Uganda’s democracy thrives in an environment of peace, respect, and fairness and this can be achieved through dialogue. Channels of talking about issues that affect all must remain open for the good of Uganda and all.

The writer is Executive Director - IPOD