Court of Appeal Judge Simon Mugenyi Byabakama has been sworn- in as Chairman for the Electoral Commission.
Justice Byabakama has been sworn in alongside six other commissoners including his deputy Hajjati Aisha Lubega and Steven Tashobya. The trio will be serving their second term in office .
Other Members sworn in are Dr. Sallie Simba Kayunga, Anthony Okello , Caroline Bainemaryo and James Peter Emorut.
The group was sworn in by the Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo in presence of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao.
The Chief Justice Owiny -Dollo reminded justice Byabakama and the commisisoners to act with their conscience and conduct elections within the law without favour or fear of any body .
Justice Dollo however revealed that had the 2021 presidential petition filed by NUP ‘s president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu not been withdrawn, no matter its outcome , he would have strongly recommended that the Electoral Commission be given funds to carry out Civic Education as its not good to assume that citizens know obvious things about the Electoral process.
After taking oath of office just 2 years to the next election in 2026, Justice Byabakama assured Ugandans that him and the commision are committed to hold an impartial, free and fair election.
He further made an appeal that whoever has concerns with the way the commission conducts its business, they should bring it to their attention.
At the same function , Justice Minister Norbert Mao noted that the problems facing Uganda do not stem from the conduct of elections but the poor political culture where every one contesting wants to be declared a winner .
The Electoral Commission has since issued the Roadmap for 2026 elections with a budget of over one trillion and fixed various events including nominations of various leaders to start in September 2025.
Report by: Betty Zziwa
