Justice Simon Byabakama has allayed any fears, noting that he is ready to deliver a free and fair election in 2026.
Speaking while taking oath together with the commission members, Byabakama said he will act in accordance with the Ugandan constitution.
“I want to assure of our unwavering commitment and resolve to Ugandans to execute our constitutional mandate in a transparent and partial manner for the promotion of democracy in our country through the conduct of free and fair elections. That commitment we undertake that we shall do,” Byabakama said.
President Museveni early this year reappointed Justice Byabakama as the Electoral Commission chairperson for another seven-year term.
He also reappointed his deputy, Hajati Aisha Lubega and Stephen Tashobya as a commissioner.
The president also appointed Caroline Beinamayo, James Peter Emorut, Dr.Salie Simba Kayunga and Anthony Okello as commissioners to the election body.
The return of Justice Byabakama has attracted mixed reactions from politicians and members of the public.
Opposition politicians have in the past castigated the reappointment of Byabakama, saying he cant be trusted with organizing a free and fair election.
Others said since the reappointment was a reward by President Museveni, the commission will only serve the interests of the appointing authority.
Extends olive branch
However, speaking on Wednesday, Justice Byabakama allayed any fears but also extended an olive branch to critics.
“My team will undeservedly ensure that working together with the people of Uganda, we conduct elections that all of us can be proud of as a country.”
“If you have any reservations in whatever area, come and we discusse and if matters are in our domain and mandate, we shall address them . For me and my team, we have got to hit the ground learning for the next round of general elections.”
The Chief Justice, Alphonse Owiny Dollo told the team that the ball is now in their coats to ensure a free and fair election.
“The Chief Justice is merely a witness but the oath you took is a solemn undertaking before God that you have accepted the responsibility placed in your hands, the burden you carry on your shoulders individually and collectively. It is not a small task. You occupy a pivotal place in the country and you are of fundamental importance for democratic dispensation in this country to take place,” Dollo said.
“Never fear to do what the law empowers you to do with your conscience. You must always be a slave of your conscience.”
Dollo however urged the team to study the court decisions of the electoral petitions filed in their previous term to see where they could have gone wrong and improve.
He also asked the Electoral Commission to engage in civic education, even before elections come to be able to empower citizens.
