Uganda’s Electoral Commission gears up for SIG elections, emphasizing inclusion and stakeholder engagement
The workshop focused on the upcoming elections of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Committees, a vital component of the electoral roadmap designed to ensure inclusive representation and address historical imbalances.
In preparation for the 2025/2026 General Elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda held a crucial National Stakeholders’ Workshop at Hotel Africana, Kampala, on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025.
The workshop focused on the upcoming elections of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Committees, a vital component of the electoral roadmap designed to ensure inclusive representation and address historical imbalances.
The event brought together a diverse range of key stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, civil society organizations (CSOs), media outlets, security agencies, and, importantly, representatives from the Youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and Older Persons communities.
The workshop aimed to educate and inform stakeholders about the electoral process and their respective roles in ensuring fair and credible elections.
Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, highlighted the significance of these engagements in his opening remarks.
“As the Commission, we value these engagements because working with our stakeholders is a core element of our Strategic Plan,” he stated. “It enables us to share progress on the Roadmap to the 2025/2026 General Elections and to seek your views and inputs as we prepare to conduct credible elections for all Ugandans.”
Justice Byabakama emphasized the constitutional basis for the SIG elections, stating, “The 1995 Constitution provides for affirmative action for marginalized groups. This is the foundation upon which we conduct elections for Special Interest Groups, to redress historical imbalances and ensure inclusive representation for the Youth, Persons with Disabilities, and Older Persons in our democratic processes.”
He further outlined the progress made by the Commission since the relaunch of the roadmap in July 2024. This included critical activities such as the demarcation of electoral areas, reorganization of polling stations, mapping of Persons with Disabilities on the Voters Register, recruitment of temporary election officials, and the General Update and Display of both the National Voters Register and the SIGs Registers. The comprehensive approach demonstrated the EC’s commitment to meticulous planning and execution.
The purpose of the upcoming elections is twofold. Firstly, to obtain electoral college members for electing representatives of the Youth, Persons with Disabilities, and Older Persons in Parliament and Local Government Councils, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.
Secondly, to establish SIGs Committees that will coordinate government programmes and advocate for the needs of their communities from the village level all the way to the national stage.
According to Justice Byabakama, these committees are crucial for ensuring that the specific needs and concerns of these often-marginalized groups are addressed effectively. They act as a vital link between the government and the communities they represent.
As of June 12th, 2025, campaign meetings for candidates vying for leadership positions within the Special Interest Groups Committees at the village level are underway. Nominees for Youth, Older Persons, and Persons with Disabilities are actively engaging with voters across Uganda, presenting their platforms and vying for support.
These grassroots campaigns are a vital part of the democratic process, allowing communities to choose the representatives who best understand and advocate for their needs.
The Electoral Commission’s emphasis on stakeholder engagement and inclusivity highlights its commitment to a fair and transparent electoral process.
By actively involving political parties, CSOs, media, and representatives of the SIGs themselves, the Commission is working to ensure that the 2025/2026 General Elections are credible and representative of the diverse voices within Ugandan society.
The success of these SIG elections will be a crucial indicator of the health of Uganda’s democracy and its commitment to the principles of equal representation and social inclusion.
