UgandaToday: Dare Not Declare Wrong Election Results In Uganda 2026
By Johnmary Odoy – Senior Citizen
A Call to Justice Byabakama and the Electoral Commission
Uganda will go to the polls in January 2026 to elect a president and other leaders. This message is directed to Hon. Justice Simon Byabakama, the current Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission of Uganda (IEC):
“The time to change the way the commission executes its mandate is now.”
The Commission must follow the law — without manipulation, distortion, or fear. Uganda and Ugandans deserve better leadership and a process that reflects their true will.
The Burden of History: When the Umpire Takes Sides
Subjecting Ugandans to being governed by wrong, bad, and inhumane leaders has become synonymous with the Electoral Commission. The body that is supposed to be impartial, independent, and professional is now viewed by many as complicit in electoral fraud.
The law is clear: the Chairperson of the Commission must be a Judge or a person qualified to serve as one, entrusted with the highest standards of truth and justice. Yet, the experience of the last decades shows a trail of disappointment.
A Rot in the System
Having participated in Uganda’s electoral processes as a seasoned election observer, I have witnessed disturbing trends. The system is riddled with pretense, intimidation, and incompetence.
Those who have chaired the Commission over the past five election cycles have failed to meet national expectations. They have instead served as regime apologists and stooges, incapable of asserting the Commission’s constitutional independence.
Power of Incumbency and the Erosion of Integrity
Uganda’s leadership crisis is not because citizens don’t vote wisely, but because the people’s will is subverted. In several elections, the incumbent has lost in reality but has been declared winner through the manipulation of results.
It is unfathomable that engineers, lawyers, and judges at the Commission can be intimidated into falsehoods, betraying their oath to truth and justice. Despite visible public outrage, rampant corruption, and governance failures, the IEC has continued to rubber-stamp the will of the powerful.
A Legal Reminder: The Constitution Speaks Clearly
Article 62 of Uganda’s Constitution explicitly states:
“The Commission shall be free from the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its functions.”
Further, Article 61(7) mandates the Commission:
“To ascertain, publish, and declare in writing under its seal the results of elections and referenda.”
The Constitution could not be clearer — the IEC is bound by law and conscience, not political intimidation.
Namuganza’s Caution: “Dare Not Declare Wrong Results”
Adding her voice to this concern, State Minister for Lands Hon. Persis Namuganza recently issued a stern warning to the NRM electoral leadership and the IEC, urging them not to dare declare false electoral results in 2026.
She castigated the NRM Party Electoral Chairperson, whom she accused of manipulating primary election results that forced her to contest as an independent. Namuganza’s warning serves as a timely caution to both party and national electoral bodies ahead of 2026 — Uganda must not be plunged into chaos by false declarations again.
A Final Appeal to Justice Byabakama
Hon. Justice Byabakama, this is a test of your integrity and patriotism. All eyes — local and international — are watching. The bloodshed, tears, and trauma that follow a flawed election will weigh heavily on your conscience.
Remember Kayunga District’s LCV elections and the pain that followed. The 2026 presidential election must not walk the same path. Uphold transparency, credibility, and courage.
Ugandans deserve the truth, not manipulation. Put a smile on their faces, restore their faith in democracy, and let their voices count.
Be the Saviour of Democracy in Uganda
Justice Byabakama, the destiny of Uganda’s democracy lies in your hands. Resist intimidation, uphold the Constitution, and deliver a free, fair, and credible election.
History will either celebrate you as the man who redeemed the Electoral Commission — or condemn you as the one who buried it.
🗣 Author Bio
Johnmary Odoy is a senior citizen and long-time election observer.
📧 Email: johnmary.ceon@gmail.com
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