The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has agreed to partner with the National Consultative Forum for Political Parties (NCF) and organizations to enforce the code of conduct for political parties and conduct joint voter/civic education ahead of the 2026 general elections. This follows a meeting between the two institutions at the UHRC headquarters on Rumee Building – Lumumba Avenue Nakasero yesterday (Thursday).
“We can establish a dedicated task force comprised of representatives from both NCF and UHRC, tasked with monitoring adherence to the code of conduct. Our side would investigate complaints of violations. We can also organize joint training workshops and capacity-building sessions for political party members, election officials, media, civil society actors and security on the importance of upholding human rights standards during elections,” the chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya said while addressing the meeting.
She said that that at some point in the near future, discussions towards entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UHRC and the Electoral Commission (EC) which houses the NCF, will be held.
Mr. Leonard Mulekwah, the Secretary to both the EC and NCF who led the team noted that there have been allegations from political parties that at times security agencies block their planned interaction with the masses/voters before and during election.
“We believe that the planned joint sensitization with the UHRC and other stakeholders will enable them realised that political parties have their rights within the electoral process which ought to be respected,” he said.
The team decried incidents of sexual harassment on the part of women politicians who are at times forced into contractual marriage and at times sex in quest to become party flag bearers or to get votes from their supporters.
The other members of NCF who accompanied Mr. Mulekwah included the legal officer Mr. Kayondo Abdul, Mr. Kiyingi Samuel from the Electoral Commission, Ms. Kugonza Carol from PDP, Mr. Bampinga Steven from Activist Party, Mr. Lubowa Henry, Mr. Sadam Gayira of PPP, among others.
Apart from the Chairperson, the other members of the UHRC team were Members of the Commission; Hon. Steven Basaliza, Hon. Hajat Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Crispin Kaheru, Hon. Lamex Omara Apitta and the Director Monitoring and Inspection Ms. Ruth Ssekindi.
The Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya (C), Members of the Commission_ Hon. Lamex Omara Apitta, Crispin Kaheru, PHRO Ms. Pauline Nansamba Mutumba meet leaders of Women Human Rights Defenders Uganda (WHRD-U)
