Former MPs named on new Electoral Commission team

President Yoweri Museveni has appointed four new commissioners of Uganda's Electoral Commission (EC).

Justice Simon Byamukama Mugyenyi (Chairperson), Hajjati Aisha Lubega (Deputy Chairperson) and Stephen Tashobya have been retained.

In his letter to the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among dated January 5, 2023, President Museveni said, "In exercise of powers vested in the President by Article 60 (1) of the 1995 Constitution, I have appointed the persons listed as Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson of the EC respectively. I hereby forward their names to Parliament for approval.”

New entrants include Makerere University political science lecturer Dr Ssimba Ssali Kayunga, former Kyoga County Member of Parliament Anthony Okello, Robert Sebunya Kasule (former Nansana Municipality MP) and EC's head of Administration, Pamela Etonu Okudi.

Outgoing commissioners include Peter Emorut, Hajji Mustapha Ssebagala, Justine Ahabwe Mugabi and Nathaline Etomaru.

The term of the old commission expired on January 7, 2024.  The new commission will be vetted by Parliaments Appointment Committee chaired by the Speaker.

EC was set up under Article 60 of the 1995 Constitution. It consists of the Chairman, Deputy Chairperson and five other members appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament and a Secretariat headed by the Secretary.

The functions of the EC are outlined under Article 61 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda which include; to ensure that regular, free and fair elections are held; to organize, conduct and supervise elections and referenda by the Constitution; to demarcate constituencies in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution; to ascertain, publish and declare in writing under its seal the results of the elections and referenda.

Its role also include: to compile, maintain, revise and update the voters’ register; to hear and determine election complaints arising before and during polling; to formulate and implement voter educational programmes relating to elections; and to perform other functions as may be prescribed by law.