Political activists in Ankole call for early voter register display

Summary:

• CSOs are urging the government to expedite the release of funds to allow early voter registration and display of the register.

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Political activists and civil society organizations in Ankole have resurrected the call for electoral reforms ahead of the 2026 general elections.

They are urging the government to expedite the release of funds to allow early voter registration and display of the register.

They also requested a policy to govern the expenditure of funds during the election process

According to Section 25 of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap 140), the Electoral Commission is responsible for verifying the accuracy of voter information on the Voters’ Register, ensuring that the correct photographs are linked to the right details on the Register, and addressing objections regarding the inclusion or removal of a voter’s information from the Register.

The dialogue organised by western Civil Society Forum (WASCOF) was held on Friday under the Theme “Building Political Consensus and Generating Commitments towards a peaceful 2026 General Election” at WESREC hotel in Bushenyi – Ishaka Municipality was attended by the District Chairpersons and Council Speakers forming the greater Ankole region, Civil society Organisations, and representatives from Political parties like NUP, NRM, FDC, and Jeema.

Happy Herbert Mayanja, the Chairperson of Ibanda District, emphasized the need for the Electoral Commission to address several issues to ensure the integrity of the 2026 upcoming elections specifically calling for the demilitarization of the election process.

He requested that the electoral commission display the voter register to allow enough time for voters to check and register.

Denis Twahika a Lawyer and Human rights activist urged the government to include religious denominations in the national budget to support their activities and reduce reliance on politicians, which has led to corruption.

Jolly Mugisha, the Vice President of the National Unity Platform Party’s western region, has called for a constitutional amendment, particularly Article 60 Section 1 the section that gives the president and parliament the power to appoint and approve the electoral commission and its commissioners.

Mugisha also requested that the electoral commission separate the voting day for the President and Parliamentarians. Additionally, areas with less than 30,000 voters should be merged with others to reduce the number of Parliamentarians.

Pulekeria Muhindo, the Shema Resident District Commission accused her fellow commissioners of consistently exceeding their mandate in regulating the media and showing partiality during the elections.

Edina Owashaba, the programs officer at ACODE, proposed an amendment that would allow the president to dissolve the parliament or have parliamentarians treated as civil servants. This would also involve their salaries being determined by the Executive, which could help in the fight against corruption.

James Mugume, a voter from Ntungamo, highlighted the importance of robust voter education initiatives involving civil society organizations to ensure widespread awareness and participation.

Dan Tamwesigire the Electoral Commission Registrar in Ibanda district said that the commission follows and implements what the constitution mandates them to do, he however, asked the participants to keep pushing for the electoral reforms.

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