UgandaToday: Richard Baabo Appointed Secretary to Uganda’s Electoral Commission
Uganda has taken a significant step in strengthening its electoral administration with the appointment of Richard Baabo Kamugisha as Secretary to the Electoral Commission of Uganda, a key administrative position responsible for overseeing the Commission’s day-to-day operations.
Baabo, a long-serving technocrat within the Commission, has built his career inside the institution and is widely recognised for his extensive experience in managing electoral logistics, voter registration processes, and coordination of nationwide electoral operations.
His appointment places him at the centre of preparations for Uganda’s upcoming electoral activities, as the Commission continues to implement reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, efficiency, and public trust in the electoral system. 🗳️
Long Service Within the Electoral Commission
Before assuming the new role, Baabo served as Director of Operations at the Electoral Commission, one of the most critical departments responsible for planning and implementing elections across the country.
In that capacity, he supervised several core electoral functions including:
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Coordination of district election officials
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Management of polling materials and logistics
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Planning voter registration and register updates
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Supporting training for polling officials
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Coordinating election preparations across Uganda’s regions
His office was also responsible for ensuring that electoral activities—from nomination of candidates to polling day operations—were executed in accordance with Uganda’s electoral laws and guidelines.
Observers within electoral management circles say this operational background gives Baabo a deep understanding of the Commission’s field challenges and administrative systems.
Acting Secretary Role and Institutional Leadership
Prior to his formal appointment, Baabo had been serving as Acting Secretary to the Electoral Commission, where he temporarily assumed the Commission’s top administrative responsibilities.
During this period, he represented the Commission in engagements with several national stakeholders including:
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Political parties
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Civil society organisations
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Election observer groups
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Government ministries and agencies
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Committees of the Parliament of Uganda
In his acting capacity, Baabo also participated in consultations regarding election preparedness, electoral reforms, and budgetary requirements necessary for conducting national elections.
His leadership during this transition period helped maintain operational continuity within the Commission.
Championing Voter Education and Public Participation
Baabo has also been associated with various voter education initiatives, particularly during the lead-up to previous general elections.
Working with civil society partners and regional election offices, the Commission rolled out programmes designed to:
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Increase voter awareness about electoral procedures
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Encourage peaceful participation in elections
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Educate citizens on voting rights and responsibilities
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Promote understanding of polling processes
These outreach programmes involved community engagements, media campaigns, and collaboration with local leaders to reach voters across the country.
Such initiatives were seen as essential in strengthening Uganda’s democratic participation and ensuring citizens were adequately informed before going to the polls.
Working Under the Electoral Commission Leadership
As Secretary, Baabo will work closely with Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
The Secretary is the chief administrative officer of the Commission, responsible for:
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Implementing Commission decisions
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Supervising staff and departmental operations
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Managing election budgets and procurement
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Coordinating election planning nationwide
With Uganda expected to undertake several electoral activities in the coming years, Baabo’s administrative leadership will be crucial in ensuring smooth preparation and execution of these processes.
Strengthening Electoral Administration
Political observers note that Baabo’s elevation reflects a broader institutional preference for career administrators who understand the internal systems of the Electoral Commission.
Having risen through the operational ranks, his appointment is expected to bring continuity and institutional memory to the Commission’s administrative leadership.
As Uganda prepares for future electoral cycles, the Commission faces the ongoing challenge of balancing logistical complexity, political competition, and public expectations for credible elections.
Baabo’s experience in managing large-scale electoral operations may therefore prove vital in guiding the institution through the next phase of Uganda’s democratic journey.
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