The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) held a historic National Dialogue on Elections on September 29, 2025, at Esella Country Hotel in Najjera, Kampala. The one-day dialogue, under the banner of unity, participation and democratic progress, brought together more than 100 stakeholders within the government, political parties, Civil Society Organization (CSOs), academia, media, religious and cultural institutions, and the security agencies to map avenues of plausible, inclusive and peaceful electoral processes in the run-up to the 2026 general elections.
The Chairperson of the commission, Hon. Mariam Wangadya, in her opening remarks, emphasized the mandate of the Commission to oversee human rights during the electoral process. She noted that the UHRC is determined to monitor and document the human rights situation in the pre-election, election, and post-election periods.
“We will also give independent suggestions on how to improve credibility, inclusiveness, and social faith in the electoral process,” Hon. Wangadya said, while addressing the media at the conference.
In his Keynote address, Dr. Deus Muhwezi Kanyamunyu, a lecturer at Makerere University, urged all stakeholders to focus on informed participation. “All stakeholders should make sure that voters trust institutions. Make sure that voters understand the implications of their vote, and that the will of the people is translated into their vote. The success of democracy would not be achieved unless those who are expected to exercise their choice are doing it prudently,” he noted.
In a panel discussion on Securing the Electoral Process moderated by Hon. Beatrice Kiraso, the panelists from the Electoral Commission (EC), Uganda Police Force, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), and the Electoral Laws Institute emphasised the need for continuous dialogue among all key stakeholders.
Dr. Kayunga Sallie Simba, a Commissioner at the Electoral Commission, assured the meeting on the EC’s readiness for the forthcoming election. He indicated that a peaceful election is guaranteed if all stakeholders abide by the guidelines.
To augment the discussion on the underlying social problems, Dr. Miria K. Matembe pointed to moral decadence as the largest plight afflicting Ugandan politics. In her recent observation, people join politics not with a view to serve but to gain self-satisfaction, which she said destroys the basis of democracy.
Human rights and anti-corruption activist Agather Atuhaire, while appearing on a panel discussion, urged all stakeholders to combine efforts to address the root causes of violence. She noted that the voices of the marginalised should be heard to avoid leaving anyone behind in the pursuit of democracy.
Hon. Crispin Kaheru, a Member of the Commission, appealed to the elite to walk the talk, noting that the elite do not vote, as revealed by various research.
“The higher the level of education, the lower the voter turnout. Therefore, we cannot sit here as elites and socialize on elections when we, ourselves, are not voting. Let us desist from preaching water as we drink wine,” he noted.
This dialogue complies with UHRC’s constitutional mandate under Article 51 of the 1995 Constitution to advance human rights and encourage democratic governance.
Ms. Ruth Ssekindi, the Director of Monitoring and Inspections, informed conveners that highlights from the dialogue will inform the Commission’s recommendations to the government, EC and Parliament to enhance a rights-respecting electoral process. While officially closing the dialogue, Hon. Col. (Rtd.) Stephen Basaliza, a Member of the Commission, appreciated stakeholders for participating in the dialogue and for their contributions towards strengthening the electoral process.
