The East African Community (EAC) has deployed an Election Observation Mission to Uganda ahead of the country’s 2026 General Elections, scheduled for January 15. The mission was launched at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, following an invitation from the Ugandan government and a directive from the EAC Council of Ministers.
Led by Ambassador Edda Mukabagwiza, the mission will monitor the electoral process in an independent, impartial, and objective manner, guided by the EAC Treaty, the bloc’s Election Observation Principles, and relevant regional and international standards. The observers will not interfere in the electoral process or influence the outcome, but rather observe, document, and report their findings in a professional and objective manner.
The Election Observation Mission comprises members from various institutions, including the East African Legislative Assembly, electoral management bodies, and national human rights institutions. Observers will be deployed across selected regions of Uganda, where they will engage with key stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission, political parties, and civil society organizations.
The mission will assess the pre-election environment, polling and voting processes, counting and tallying of results, as well as the transmission and announcement of election outcomes. A preliminary statement will be issued shortly after the elections, followed by a comprehensive final report containing recommendations aimed at strengthening future electoral processes in the region.
EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva emphasized the importance of promoting credible, transparent, and peaceful elections among partner states. She called on political leaders, candidates, and their supporters to exercise restraint, respect the law, and contribute to a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.
The deployment of the observation mission underscores the EAC’s commitment to supporting democratic processes in the region. With the elections scheduled to take place on January 15, the mission’s findings and recommendations will be crucial in promoting electoral integrity and strengthening democratic institutions in Uganda and beyond.
