The Electoral Commission has issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to unlawfully take part in today’s village-level elections for committees representing persons with disabilities (PWDs), held under the ongoing Special Interest Group (SIG) electoral process.
The Commission revealed that it has received several reports and complaints from across the country, indicating that individuals without disabilities are trying to participate—either as voters or candidates—in elections meant solely for PWDs. This action, the Commission stressed, is illegal and will attract legal consequences.
Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi urged the public to uphold the sanctity of these elections, which are exclusively reserved for persons with disabilities listed on the official PWD voters’ register.
“We would like to caution anyone who is considering, planning, or thinking about taking part in these elections for PWD village committees without being registered as a person with a disability to refrain from such actions,” Mucunguzi stated.
He further warned, “Any individual who attempts to vote or contest in these elections without being on the PWD register is committing an offense and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
These elections, held at the village level today, are a part of the larger SIG electoral framework and are being conducted using the lining-up method. Voters express their choice by lining up behind their preferred candidates, agents, portraits, or designated symbols.
Key positions being contested include Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Publicity Secretary, and Treasurer.
Mucunguzi also encouraged all eligible PWD voters—Ugandan citizens aged 18 and above who are registered on both the national voters’ register and the PWD-specific register—to take an active role in shaping grassroots leadership.
“We urge all citizens who meet the eligibility criteria to come out in full force and participate in forming their village PWD committees today,” he appealed.
The Commission reiterated that any unauthorized participation in these elections not only violates the law but also jeopardizes the representation and voice of persons with disabilities in national affairs.
This warning follows increasing concern over manipulation within the SIG electoral processes. It underscores the importance of vigilance to ensure that only those who are qualified and registered take part in these specialized elections.
A few weeks ago, the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) raised alarms about individuals falsely claiming disability status in order to fraudulently engage in SIG elections. The organization urged the Commission to take swift action to curb such abuses and maintain the integrity of the electoral process designated for PWDs.
