Election observers decry violence, call for dialogue with EC

Bushenyi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Election observers from the Ankole region have expressed concern about the violence they face while executing their duties. The observers, representing various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), shared their challenges and views during a one-day workshop organized by the Western Ankole Civil Society Forum to prepare for the 2026 general election at Hotel Meridian in Bushenyi on Friday.

The observers requested a dialogue with the Electoral Commission and the government to report their challenges and seek solutions. Kyokusiima Fiona, an observer, recounted that during the last election, observers often faced intimidation, harassment, and physical violence from security officials and candidates’ agents. She also highlighted the lack of adequate financial support for observers to cover their polling jurisdictions, which sometimes cast doubts on the validity of the results.

Atamba Eddie, another observer, noted that many politicians use security agencies to initiate and perpetuate violence during elections and that these politicians often start the process by bribing security officers. He emphasized the need to address this issue to ensure a fair election process.

Arinaitwe Bright, an election observer and software engineer, urged observers to integrate technology, such as apps and equipment, to disseminate information timely without relying on the internet. He stressed that using technology could help overcome some challenges faced by observers.

Apollo Kakonge Lee, the Executive Director of the Western Ankole Civil Society Forum, urged NGOs and election observers to start preparing and focusing on providing civic and election education. He emphasized the importance of influencing a better election outcome to elect good leaders for improved service delivery. Kakonge acknowledged that despite the commitment of CSOs to conduct election observation, they face numerous challenges, including financial constraints, safety, and security.

He called on the Electoral Commission, the government, and CSOs to create mechanisms to assist observers in carrying out their duties without conflict, ensuring their safety and security throughout the election process.

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