By John Kusolo
On 30th July 2024, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, delivered a comprehensive keynote address during the National Workshop for Stakeholders on the demarcation of electoral areas and the reorganization of polling stations. The event, aimed at sensitizing stakeholders about the upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections, was attended by a diverse group of participants including political parties, academia, the private sector, civil society organizations, Electoral Commission staff, religious leaders, and members of the general public.
*Welcome and Appreciation*
Justice Byabakama began his address by warmly welcoming all attendees and commending them for honoring the invitation to participate in this crucial national event. He expressed his gratitude to the members of the Commission, the management team, and the entire Electoral Commission (EC) fraternity for their dedication and hard work in planning and executing the Commission's demanding assignments.
*Mandate and Responsibilities of the Electoral Commission*
Highlighting the constitutional foundation of the Electoral Commission, Justice Byabakama referenced Article 60 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which establishes the Commission. Under Article 61, the Commission is mandated to ensure that regular, free, and fair elections and referenda are held. This mandate includes conducting various activities within specified timelines as stipulated in the Constitution and other electoral laws.
*Timeline and Planning for 2025/26 General Elections*
Justice Byabakama noted that the Electoral Commission launched the 2025/26 General Elections Road Map on August 2, 2023, setting specific timelines for proper planning, management, and organization of elections. However, due to a lack of funding in the last financial year, some timelines had to be revised. He assured stakeholders that despite these challenges, the Commission remains committed to delivering on its constitutional mandate.
*Demarcation of Local Government Electoral Areas*
The keynote address emphasized the importance of the demarcation exercise for the 2025-2026 Local Governments Councils elections. This exercise aims to clearly define areas of representation for Directly Elected Councillors, Women Councillors, and Councillors representing Special Interest Groups (Youth, PwDs, Workers, and Older Persons) in various Local Governments Councils. Justice Byabakama explained that the demarcation will take place in districts and cities where new administrative units were created after the 2020-2021 General Elections, factoring in communication means, geographical features, and population density.
*Reorganization of Polling Stations*
Justice Byabakama stressed the critical nature of reorganizing polling stations, as outlined in Section 33 (1) of the Electoral Commission Act. This reorganization ensures a manageable number of voters per polling station, easy accessibility, and adequate space. For the 2025-2026 General Elections, the exercise will involve locating polling stations in central places, relocating those affected by infrastructural developments, splitting polling stations with excessive voter numbers, and ensuring each parish and electoral area has at least one polling station.
*Challenges and Stakeholder Collaboration*
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the country, Justice Byabakama appreciated the continuous support from all stakeholders in achieving effective participation in previous elections. He cautioned that amendments to electoral laws with financial implications might require additional resources for further demarcation and reorganization activities.
*Workshop Topics and Appeal to Stakeholders*
Justice Byabakama outlined the key topics to be covered in the workshop, including an overview of the demarcation of local government council electoral areas and reorganization of polling stations, the legal framework, and the phases involved. He appealed to all stakeholders to mobilize, sensitize, inform, and update the public about their critical duties and responsibilities regarding these election activities. Emphasizing the multi-stakeholder nature of a credible electoral process, he called for an enabling environment that enhances participation at all levels.
Justice Byabakama urged stakeholders to promote peace, unity, tolerance, respect for divergent views, and the acceptance of electoral outcomes or peaceful resolution of conflicts through the Commission or the Courts of Law. He officially declared the workshop open and thanked all attendees for their attention and participation.
*For God and My Country*
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon ended his address with a patriotic note, underscoring the importance of collective effort in ensuring the success of the electoral process for the benefit of the nation.
Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, Mr. Mulekwah R. J. Leonard, Secretary EC, welcomed stakeholders to the National Workshop, emphasizing the 2025-2026 General Election as the fifth under a Multiparty Political Party Dispensation.
"The EC has made commendable improvements in planning and conducting elections," he stated.
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