The East African Community (EAC) Election Observation Mission has raised concerns over internal conflicts and organisational weaknesses within Uganda’s political parties, warning that these challenges are fueling a growing number of independent candidates in the 2026 general elections.
In its preliminary report, the Mission noted that party infighting, disputes over flag bearers, and unclear nomination procedures have weakened party cohesion and reduced voter confidence in political party structures. Observers said the trend points to weaknesses in intra-party democracy and dispute resolution mechanisms, calling for urgent reforms to strengthen internal party governance.
Despite these concerns, the Mission endorsed Uganda’s general elections as largely transparent, orderly, and peaceful. It cited a calm campaign and polling environment, professional conduct by security forces, and broad compliance with electoral procedures, even as the process faced challenges such as an internet shutdown and technical failures of biometric voter verification kits.
The 58-member Mission was led by Ambassador Edda Mukabagwiza, Rwanda’s former Deputy Speaker of Parliament and former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and deputised by Maina Karobia Mwangi, Chairperson of the Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution Committee of the East African Legislative Assembly.
Observers reported that security personnel were present at all polling stations visited and described their conduct as professional, non-intrusive, and discreet, contributing to the maintenance of peace and order. They also noted that authorised stakeholders, including party and candidate agents, had unhindered access to polling stations, which enhanced transparency during the voting process.
However, the Mission expressed concern over the government’s decision to suspend internet access hours before polling began, saying the shutdown affected election observation, particularly the compilation and transmission of field reports. While the government justified the move on security grounds, the observers urged authorities to strike a balance between public safety and access to information and communication technologies during elections.
The report also highlighted the disqualification of several parliamentary aspirants in the weeks leading up to polling, in some cases resulting in candidates being declared unopposed. The Mission called for clearer procedures, timelines, and greater transparency to strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
On polling day, delays in the opening of some stations were attributed to technical challenges with biometric voter verification kits and late setup of polling facilities. Observers noted that some voters left polling stations out of frustration and recommended that the Electoral Commission investigate the causes of the malfunctions to prevent a recurrence in future elections.
Despite these setbacks, the polling-day atmosphere was described as calm and peaceful, with active participation by party and candidate agents. The Mission also commended efforts to place polling stations in locations accessible to persons with disabilities.
While acknowledging that the high number of independent parliamentary candidates expanded voter choice, the observers stressed that it also reflected unresolved internal disputes within political parties. They urged parties to strengthen internal democracy to promote cohesion and electoral competitiveness.
The Mission further praised civil society organisations for their role in voter education and election observation, and commended peace-building initiatives led by the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda.
It called for legal reforms to regulate campaign financing, promote transparency, and ensure a level playing field for all contestants. The observers noted that state-owned media provided extensive coverage of the electoral process and congratulated Ugandans for peacefully exercising their right to vote, urging all stakeholders to maintain calm as the electoral process continues.
