2026 polls: Ex-minister Atubo warns against democratic decay

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LIRA - Uganda’s fragile democratic culture and the increasing erosion of citizens’ rights took centre stage on November 27, 2025, as the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) convened a high-level dialogue on elections and human rights for key stakeholders in the Lango region. 

The meeting held in Lira city brought together security agencies, political leaders, civil servants, youth representatives, and former legislators to reflect on the state of Uganda’s democracy ahead of the 2026 General Election.

However, it was ex-minister Daniel Omara Atubo, also a former Otuke Member of Parliament, veteran lawyer and long-standing advocate of democracy, whose blunt, historical and wide-ranging address electrified the room. He warned that Uganda risks sliding into repression unless institutions are strengthened, voters are educated, and security forces are kept out of partisan politics.

“Uganda must choose democracy or decay,” he said, adding that genuine democracy demands sacrifice, civic education and strong, independent institutions.

Daniel Omara Atubo. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)

“The most serious issue for us now is to have a democracy where people vote for leaders they want, freely,” he said. 

“Our ordinary people, the voters, must be told about their rights. Uganda has miserably failed to educate voters about democracy, good governance and their own power.”

He lamented what he termed as the commercialisation of elections, calling it “materialistic voting”. According to him, for a functioning democracy, three institutions must stand above political manipulation: The Electoral Commission, security forces (army, police, intelligence) and the Judiciary.

Watch your tongue 

At the same event, Mid-North region Prisons commander Godfred Kumakech urged leaders to mind their language as campaigns intensify.

Citing the Rwandan genocide, he said one reckless statement by a priest had cost countless lives.

“We speak life and death through our tongue,” he said. “Our communication, the tone we use, matters to our citizens.”

Kumakech expressed concern about money-fuelled politics and the dominance of social media, which he described as driving the 2026 General Election more than ever before.

He confirmed that prisons have already begun receiving “clients out of elections” and pledged that the Uganda Prisons Service will remain peaceful and lawful throughout the process.

He also acknowledged close co-ordination with regional Police commander Wesley Nganizi, noting he supports the Police whenever needed, not only during elections.

Standards for free and fair elections

Regional human rights officer Nicholas Ogwang reminded participants that Uganda’s constitutional right to vote cannot be enjoyed without other freedoms, including opinion, movement, association and peaceful assembly, being fully protected.

He outlined eight internationally recognised pillars of a free and fair election:

1. Regular elections
2. Universal and equal suffrage
3. Freedom of expression and assembly
4. No intimidation or violence
5. Free media
6. Honest counting and transparent tabulation
7. Impartial authorities
8. Genuine processes representing the people’s will

Ogwang urged security organs to ensure any limitations on rights pass the constitutional test of being “acceptable and demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.”

He commended security agencies in Lango for maintaining stability so far, contrasting the region’s calm with violent incidents seen elsewhere in Uganda.

Trust, professionalism and dialogue

Representing Resident City Commissioner, Assistant Kwania RDC Ceaser Obada said credible elections require the rights and dignity of all citizens to be protected.

He emphasised professionalism among security agencies, responsible media reporting, and civic education as essential pillars of a peaceful electoral cycle.

“Human rights are not a privilege for a few—they belong to every Ugandan,” he said. 

“Let Lango stand as a model of peaceful, inclusive and rights-based elections.”

Electoral Commission: Technology improving transparency

James Aggrey Ipeto, the Electoral Commission's returning officer for Lira City, highlighted the Commission’s shift to digital verification of supporters for nominations to reduce fraud and delays.

He said over 300 petitions from candidates were being handled, noting that use of SMS, online voter verification and a more transparent nomination system had improved the credibility of the process.

Speaking for the youth, Rafila Jovita Aguma claimed young people are not given the freedom they deserve during elections.

“People want to control us,” she said. “We should have the freedom to choose the leaders of our home and our future.”