Uganda Decides 2026: Govt officials promise smooth elections

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UGANDA DECIDES 2026

Thursday’s general elections will not in any way affect Uganda’s economic development path, heads of government departments and private sector associations have said.

Addressing members of the press on Monday at the State House Investors’ Protection Unit (SHIPU) offices in Nakasero, Kampala, the officials assured local and foreign investors that elections will be held smoothly without business disruptions.

“Ugandans should remain calm, be orderly, and follow the laws as they head out to vote on January 15. All indications are that Ugandans will cast their ballots peacefully and return to normal business within hours,” said Col Edith Nakalema, the head of SHIPU.

She said that following assurances from security heads over the weekend, all Ugandans should be confident that the electoral process will be safe, and urged them to go and vote. “Protecting investors and their interests is essential to protecting the interests of Uganda, because all Ugandans benefit when our investment climate is not disrupted,” she said.

Dr Barirega Akankwasa, the National Environmental Management Agency (NEMA) executive director and dean of Government Agencies, called on Ugandans to vote peacefully, maintain mutual respect and avoid hostility.

“Our unity as a nation is far greater than any single contest or outcome. Peace and stability are the foundation upon which livelihoods, public services, investment, and national development depend,” he said.

Akankwasa said acts like the burning of tyres, damaging the environment come with serious punishments such as a 15-year jail term.

Responsible media reporting

Simon Kaheru, the chairperson of the East African Business Council Uganda Chapter, said: the media fraternity holds the most important position of keeping the Ugandan and international public informed without sensationalism, fake news and incitement.

“The business community, including local and foreign investors, rely on media reports as they make their current and future decisions, just like the Government,” he observed.
Alan Kasujja, a media and public policy personality, called on the media to take centre stage and present the realistic situation in Uganda as a whole.

“The world will be watching and following what is going on here through social media, but more so by following your reports on the different platforms. Focus on doing your job professionally and credibly so that everyone sees Uganda for what we really are,” Kasujja said.

Dr Edward Katende, the executive director of the Uganda Development Forum, a development think tank, urged the media to be part of ‘Team Uganda’ and to report responsibly to protect the country’s development agenda.

Ben Mwine, the vice chairperson of the National Association of Broadcasters, urged the media to take a “bottle half-full” approach in order to protect the reputation and image of Uganda.

Dr Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, the Uganda Manufacturers Association executive director, said all industries will continue operating to ensure that consumers maintain a stable supply of final goods and intermediate raw materials.

“We shall ensure no scarcity so that prices of goods remain stable. We want people to continue working for daily earnings. We have to ensure that industries are not disrupted because most of them produce for export, and international concessions signed upfront don’t know our internal issues,” Rubanda noted.

Hospitals to remain open

Dr Rosemary Byanyima, the Mulago National Referral Hospital executive director, said hospital operations would continue to be fully operational during the election period, including the specialized sections.

“Our staff will operate in shifts as usual and will be enabled to go and vote without any of the health services we provide being disrupted,” she said.

Uganda Tourism Board chief executive officer Juliana Kaggwa said the sector is enjoying an ongoing surge of visitors all enjoying Uganda’s various offerings in spite of the elections this week.

Osborn Turyasingura, the secretary for the National Secretariat for Special Interest Groups, said the special interest groups are focused on ensuring that the advancements they have made over the years are protected.