Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of deliberately stalling and denying accreditation to key observer groups ahead of Uganda's 2026 general elections, raising fears about transparency and credibility.
The accreditation process, which started in April 2025, is mandated under Section 16(1) of the EC Act Cap 176 to include political parties, CSOs, and other registered bodies.
Yet prominent groups such as NGO-FORUM, CCEDU, and HURINET say their applications have been blocked, while less experienced organisations have been approved.
"The accreditation process has become more rigorous, with security agencies said to be taking the lead in the scrutiny of applicants," said veteran civil society leader Charity Ahimbisibwe.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Her concerns were echoed by Sarah Bireete, who criticised the EC's silence: "The EC has not gotten back to us, and we only heard from crime intelligence who say they are investigating. Many have not been accredited."
CSOs argue that security-led vetting undermines the commission's independence.
"The EC handed over its duties to security agencies. You're better off going to Mbuya than the EC," Bireete said, adding that the commission had sidelined experienced organisations in voter education, instead awarding roles to entities "that have no resource."
Observers warn that excluding credible groups could fuel violence and discredit the polls. "Where the EC has failed on credible education, we shall have a less credible election," Bireete said.
Uganda Human Rights Commission's Crispin Kaheru stressed that timely accreditation is essential for building trust.
"Elections being a process of observer accreditation should begin at the time of compiling a register," he said.
"Any delays fuel unnecessary perceptions on elections and limit information to observers' reports."
Even accredited groups are reportedly facing restrictions.
"Even the accreditations that have come have come with restrictions," Bireete noted, citing limits on what observers can report.
The row recalls the 2021 elections, when the US Mission in Uganda withdrew most of its observers after similar disputes.
With the 2026 polls approaching, CSOs are demanding that the EC explain the delays and ensure transparency. Without this, they warn, the integrity of the elections will remain in doubt.
