2026 elections: UHRC, EC, Police heads meet over human rights

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The heads of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Police have met to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights and freedoms ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The meeting, held at the UHRC headquarters in Kampala on Monday (September 22), was confirmed in a press statement from the human rights body.

It was attended by UHRC chairperson Mariam Wangadya, EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba.

In the centre is the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Mariam Wangadya, discussing with EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama (R) and IGP Abas Byakagaba (L). (Courtesy photo)

Wangadya emphasised that collaboration is the cornerstone of credible elections, stressing that only a united front can ensure a rights-respecting electoral environment.

According to the statement, Byabakama welcomed the engagement, describing it as timely and strategic. He noted that when constitutional bodies and state institutions work together with human rights at the centre, public trust is enhanced.

The IGP reaffirmed the Police’s resolve to safeguard the rights of Ugandans during the electoral process, underscoring that security and rights are inseparable.

The three institutional heads agreed to speak with one voice in urging peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, and to ensure that every Ugandan votes freely and safely.

Ugandans will go to the polls early next year to exercise their constitutional right to elect representatives in a general election, the seventh successive one since 1996.