2026 Elections: Stakeholders urge rights protection, trust-building for peaceful polls

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As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general elections, key stakeholders have gathered at a High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights and Elections to emphasise the safeguarding of fundamental rights, the fostering of public trust, and the promotion of a violence-free electoral process.

The event, taking place Thursday (October 30) at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, has brought together electoral officials, civil society leaders, diplomats, and youth representatives to chart a path towards inclusive and democratic renewal.

Justice Simon Byabakama, chairperson of the Uganda Electoral Commission (EC), addressed the gathering and highlighted the commission's commitment to building trust and protecting rights.

With the current voter register standing at between 20 and 21 million and projected to rise to 24 million following reviews, Byabakama stressed the importance of national stability.

"The stability of our country is crucial to our democracy. All those involved in the electoral process must avoid actions that provoke violence," he said.

He also addressed the role of social media, cautioning that while it can amplify peaceful discourse, its misuse risks fuelling division.

"Social media can be a powerful tool if used responsibly. It should help promote peaceful and fair elections, not fuel division," Byabakama said.

Echoing these sentiments, the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, called for a focus on inclusion and dignity as the bedrock of the upcoming polls.

She urged participants to view elections as opportunities where every Ugandan feels seen and heard, framing victory not in outcomes but in participation.

"Approach 2026 with vision, not division. Our responsibility is not to fear this revolution, but to guide it peacefully," she challenged stakeholders.

International perspectives underscored the dialogue's global relevance, with Odde de Jong, the first secretary for security, rule of law and human rights at the Netherlands Embassy, speaking on the media's pivotal role and describing press freedom as a "democratic necessity."

Protecting journalists and enabling their confident reporting, he argued, is essential for cultivating public trust and strengthening democracy.

Similarly, Frederieke Quispel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, delivered remarks reinforcing the need to safeguard rights and nurture trust, emphasising that every Ugandan deserves a peaceful electoral environment.

Dr Moses Isooba, executive director of the NGO Forum Uganda, pointed to declining voter turnout as a symptom of disillusionment, where many feel their votes no longer matter, eroding civic engagement.

"Let us come together to protect and practice our voter rights come 2026," he implored, emphasising living by human rights principles, not just discussing them.

Directing a pointed message to security personnel, he noted, "It's your duty to protect the electoral process, not to police it. Let uniforms be a symbol of service, not fear."

Moderated by Malcolm Mamizo of the East Africa Centre for Civil Society Practice, panels at the forum will explore broader themes, including youth perspectives.