Following the conclusion of Uganda's 2026 general elections, where President Museveni secured 71.65% of the vote and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, came second with 24.72%, Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has urged significant electoral reforms.
Speaking at the launch of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) Election Observation Report, Kaziimba stressed the need for greater transparency, youth engagement, and improved security management in future elections.
He expressed concern over low voter turnout among young people in urban areas such as Kampala, including Kawempe, Makindye, and Nakawa divisions.
"Youth participation in the election was uneven, with fewer young voters casting their ballots in these key urban centres. It's imperative that the Electoral Commission makes deliberate efforts to increase youth involvement in future elections," Kaziimba said.
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The Archbishop also highlighted concerns about the transparency of the electoral process, particularly during vote tallying and result transmission.
"Discrepancies between polling station declarations and aggregated results have cast doubt on the integrity of the final election outcomes," he noted, calling for stronger safeguards and strict accountability for returning officers found guilty of tampering with results.
"Such officers should be dismissed from public office to restore public confidence in the electoral system," he added.
On the role of security forces, Kaziimba emphasized the need for a balanced approach. While acknowledging the importance of preventing violence, he cautioned that an overwhelming security presence could discourage voter participation.
"Security should be neutral, proportional, and restrained to ensure that voters feel safe and free to cast their ballots without fear of intimidation," he explained.
The Archbishop also criticized the restrictions on internet access during the election period.
"The government's blanket communication restrictions limited transparency and hindered the coordination of election activities," he said, calling for a review of such measures to ensure national security does not undermine public trust in the electoral process.
Kaziimba further urged all political actors to commit to a peaceful electoral process, reminding parties to follow lawful procedures and resolve disputes through legal channels.
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"The peace we saw during the voting process must extend to the post-election period. Political leaders must respect the election results and uphold the rule of law," he asserted.
His call for reforms underscores ongoing concerns about Uganda's electoral integrity. As the country looks ahead, Kaziimba's remarks highlight the need for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, particularly in engaging youth and ensuring all citizens' voices are heard.
