Electoral Commission Conducts Special Interest Group (SIG) Training to Journalists And Media Practitioners

Uganda Today: Electoral Commission Conducts Special Interest Group (SIG) Training to Bolster Electoral Knowledge and Inclusion

By Uganda Today News Team
www.ugandatoday.co.ug

In a deliberate effort to enhance electoral literacy and promote inclusive political participation, the Electoral Commission (EC) has conducted a comprehensive training session on the Special Interest Group (SIG) electoral framework. The session focused on the identification, composition, and electoral procedures of SIGs, and was attended by journalists, media practitioners and and other stakeholders who attended the session on live streaming from across the country. Trainees were asked to impart this important knowledge to all citizens.

The training was officially opened by Ms. Patricia Aol, Head of Administration at the Electoral Commission, who represented the EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi. Aol underscored the significance of SIG elections in strengthening democratic representation for marginalized and special interest communities in Uganda.

“These groups are not merely appendages to our electoral process—they are vital contributors to a pluralistic and inclusive democracy. It is our duty to ensure that their representation is facilitated within the framework of the law,” she said.

Understanding the SIG Composition

Participants were taken through a deep dive into the six recognized Special Interest Groups, namely:

1. Youth

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2. Persons With Disabilities (PWDs)

3. Older Persons

4. Women

5. Workers

6. Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF)

Each category with only the exception of the UPDF (which has representation at parliamentary level), holds the constitutional right to representation at various levels of governance—starting from the village to the national Parliament. The training emphasized the processes involved in mobilizing and electing leaders from these categories, as well as the unique considerations required for each group.

Expert-Led Sessions

Key facilitators included Hajj Abubakar Kayondo, a senior legal officer in the EC’s Legal Department, and Mr. Ngabirano, who is in charge of SIG elections at the Independent Electoral Commission. The two experts broke down the practical and legal aspects of SIG elections. Veteran Journalist and proprietor of Uganda Radio Network, Mr. Guma Samuel took the attendees through the basics and ethics of upholding professional and responsible journalism whilst adhering to the three principles of any media entity of Informing, Educating and Entertaining their audiences. The need to uphold professional journalism was underscored by Mr. Guma Samuel

Hajj Kayondo elaborated on the legal instruments underpinning the EC’s mandate, emphasizing the need to align SIG election conduct with Uganda’s legal framework.

“Our authority to manage these elections is not arbitrary. It is grounded in a robust legal framework which ensures transparency, accountability, and legality at all levels,” Kayondo explained.

Ngabirano, drawing from his field experience, provided a practical walkthrough of SIG electoral operations from the grassroots up to the national level. His session included mock exercises and case studies to illustrate how to identify eligible voters and conduct free and fair elections for SIGs.

Legal Framework Backing SIG Elections

The Electoral Commission derives its authority to organize Special Interest Group elections from 14 key legal instruments, which include:

1. The 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda

2. The Electoral Commission Act, Cap 140

3. The Local Governments Act, Cap 243

4. The Parliamentary Elections Act, 2005

5. The Political Parties and Organisations Act, 2005

6. The National Council for Disability Act, 2003

7. The National Youth Council Act, Cap 319

8. The Workers’ Representatives Elections Regulations

9. The UPDF Act, 2005 (regarding army representation)

10. The Equal Opportunities Act, 2007

11. The Employment Act, 2006

12. The National Women’s Council Act, Cap 318

13. The Local Government (Amendment) Acts

14. Electoral Commission Guidelines and Statutory Instruments

These legal documents empower the EC to supervise SIG elections right from the village, parish, sub-county or division, municipality, city, district, and up to the parliamentary level.

Way Forward

The training concluded with a commitment from participants to disseminate the knowledge gained to their respective communities and constituencies. The Electoral Commission reaffirmed its readiness to conduct transparent and inclusive SIG elections in the upcoming electoral calendar.

By prioritizing SIG representation, the Electoral Commission continues to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive democracy and equal participation, ensuring that every voice—regardless of age, gender, ability, or occupation—counts in shaping Uganda’s future.

For continuous updates on Uganda’s electoral processes and democratic developments, follow us at www.ugandatoday.co.ug.

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