As Ugandans prepare for the forthcoming general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026, the Head of the East African Community (EAC) Election Observation Mission, Rt. Hon. Ambassador Edda Mukabagwiza, has reaffirmed that the mission is in the country to independently assess the electoral process.
“We are here to observe and assess the electoral process in an independent, impartial, and objective manner, in accordance with the East African Principles for Election Observation, the laws of the Republic of Uganda, and applicable regional and international standards,” Ambassador Mukabagwiza said.
She made the remarks at a ceremony held at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, where the EAC officially launched and flagged off its Election Observation Mission (EOM) ahead of Uganda’s general elections.
The deployment of the mission follows an invitation from the Government of the Republic of Uganda and is in line with a directive of the EAC Council of Ministers, which mandates the EAC Secretariat to observe elections in all Partner States.
Ambassador Mukabagwiza emphasized that the mission’s role is strictly observational.
“We are not here to interfere in the electoral process, arbitrate political outcomes, or pronounce results. Our responsibility is to observe carefully, document accurately, and report objectively,” she said. “This mission is not only a technical exercise; it is also an expression of our shared Pan-African values—solidarity, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, democratic governance, and African ownership of our democratic processes.”
She added that the responsibility of safeguarding democratic standards extends beyond national borders, highlighting the role of African institutions.
“As East Africans—and more broadly as Africans—we carry a collective responsibility to promote credibility, respect, and institutional integrity in our work. The standards we uphold here reflect the standards we seek to strengthen across our countries and across the continent,” Mukabagwiza said, noting that the conduct of the mission must demonstrate professionalism, independence, and respect for national sovereignty.
The EAC Election Observation Mission comprises 58 observers drawn from all EAC Partner States, excluding the host country. The team includes representatives from legislative bodies, electoral institutions, ministries of foreign affairs, human rights bodies, civil society organisations, and interfaith groups—reflecting the Community’s commitment to inclusivity and participatory governance.
According to Mukabagwiza, observers will be deployed across selected regions of Uganda and will engage key electoral stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission of Uganda, political parties and candidates, civil society organisations, the media, security agencies, and other relevant institutions.
“The mission will observe the pre-election environment, the final stages of the campaign, polling and voting processes, counting and tabulation of results, as well as the transmission and announcement of outcomes,” she said, adding that the assessment will be guided by the EAC Treaty, the East African Principles for Election Observation and Evaluation, and other applicable national, regional, and international standards.
On her part, the EAC Secretary General, Hon. Veronica Nduva, said the mission will issue a preliminary statement shortly after the elections, followed by a comprehensive final report.
She added that as Head of Mission, Ambassador Mukabagwiza will serve as the chief spokesperson and coordinate engagements with national stakeholders and other observer groups.
“The EAC believes elections must be inclusive, participatory, and conducted in an environment free from violence, intimidation, and discrimination,” Nduva said. “I urge all political leaders, candidates, supporters, and stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold the law, and place national interests above all else.”
Nduva also called on Ugandan voters to exercise their civic rights peacefully and to uphold unity beyond the election period.
“My message to voters is simple: go out, exercise your right to vote peacefully, and accept the outcomes. In any contest, there are winners and losers. After the elections, we must move on, rebuild, and continue engaging as one community,” she said.
The Deputy Head of the Election Observation Mission, Hon. Maina Karobia, who is also a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), reiterated the mission’s mandate.
“Our reports will present findings and offer recommendations aimed at strengthening future electoral processes within the region,” he said.
