The East African Community (EAC) Election Observer Mission has expressed concern over the delayed opening of polling stations during Uganda’s 2026 General Elections, citing logistical and technical challenges that affected voting at several locations.
Speaking at a press conference held at Skyz Hotel in Naguru, the Head of the EAC Election Observer Mission, Ambassador Edda Mukabagwiza, revealed that the mission observed delays averaging three hours at all polling stations visited.
“Polling stations visited were consistently delayed in opening, with an average delay of three hours, due to late delivery of election materials, malfunctioning Biometric Voter Verification Kits, and delayed setup of polling stations,” Ambassador Mukabagwiza explained.
She noted that these delays led to frustration among voters at some polling stations, with some leaving before casting their ballots. However, she emphasized that the overall atmosphere remained calm and peaceful.
“Despite the delays, the environment was generally peaceful, with a noticeable presence of party and candidate agents,” she added.
The EAC Election Observer Mission was deployed following an invitation from the Electoral Commission of the Republic of Uganda and with the approval of EAC Secretary General, Veronica Nduva.
This deployment aligns with the EAC Treaty and the EAC Principles for Election Observation and Evaluation, adopted in 2012, which promote democratic governance across the Partner States.
The mission consisted of 58 observers drawn from the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), the EAC Secretariat, National Assemblies, Government Ministries, and electoral management bodies from EAC Partner States, excluding Uganda, in accordance with EAC guidelines.
The mission was led by Ambassador Mukabagwiza, former Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Rwanda and former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, with Maina Karobia Mwangi, Chairperson of the Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution Committee of EALA, serving as her deputy.
According to the observers, all polling stations visited were accessible to persons with disabilities, with assistance provided to voters who required support, including those with visual impairments, in accordance with the legal framework.
“Polling stations were generally located in open areas, which promoted transparency. However, some polling stations lacked adequate shelter for polling officials, party agents, and voters,” Ambassador Mukabagwiza noted.
The mission also observed that authorized stakeholders, including party and candidate agents, had unhindered access to polling stations and were able to carry out their duties professionally and without interference.
In its recommendations, the EAC Observer Mission called on political parties and organizations to strengthen internal dispute resolution mechanisms to address reported incidents during the electoral process. The mission also urged security agencies to expedite investigations into sporadic security incidents.
The observers recommended legal reforms to regulate campaign financing, which would help enhance transparency and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
“The Electoral Commission should also improve conditions at polling stations by providing shelter for polling officials, party and candidate agents, and voters. The use of schools or other public buildings that are not in use during the election period could be a viable solution,” Ambassador Mukabagwiza said.
The mission emphasized the need to maintain public access to information through ICT services, including the internet, during elections, while balancing security concerns.
“It is crucial to ensure that internet services remain available and accessible during the electoral process, with appropriate measures to balance security considerations and public access,” she said.
Despite the challenges observed, the EAC Election Observer Mission commended the Ugandan people for their participation in the electoral process.
“The mission congratulates the people of Uganda for exercising their democratic right to choose their leaders,” Ambassador Mukabagwiza said.
With the electoral process still ongoing, the mission urged all stakeholders to maintain peace and resolve any disputes through lawful means.
“We call upon all actors to uphold peace and address any grievances through peaceful and legal channels,” she added.
