Archbishop Ssemogerere Raises Concerns Over Electoral Integrity
The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has called on Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama to address growing public concerns about the credibility of Uganda’s electoral process.
Speaking during Mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Sunday, attended by Electoral Commission officials, Archbishop Ssemogerere questioned why the choices made by voters are sometimes allegedly altered after elections, despite citizens exercising their democratic right to vote. He said such concerns continue to undermine public confidence in the country’s electoral system.
The Archbishop also noted that many Ugandans are increasingly anxious about the country’s future and deserve clear answers regarding the conduct of elections and governance.
Responding to the concerns, Justice Byabakama maintained that anyone dissatisfied with election outcomes should seek legal redress through the courts. He emphasized that the judicial process remains the proper avenue for resolving electoral disputes.
As Uganda prepares for the upcoming Local Council I (LC I) elections, Byabakama encouraged citizens to actively participate in the electoral process. He urged voters to remain at polling stations after casting their ballots so they can witness the counting of votes and verify the results firsthand.
The Electoral Commission chairperson also cautioned local leaders against registering people who are not genuine residents during the ongoing voter registration exercise, warning that such practices could undermine the integrity of the elections.
Meanwhile, during a recent interview at White Horse Inn, Robert Bob Beine, the Regional Election Officer for South Western Uganda, identified voter bribery and the influence of money in elections as some of the major challenges affecting the electoral process. He also noted that the participation of women in elections remains low, despite ongoing civic and voter education campaigns aimed at encouraging more women to contest for leadership positions and actively participate in the democratic process.
The remarks come as Uganda steps up preparations for the forthcoming grassroots elections, with renewed focus on transparency, accountability, voter participation and strengthening public confidence in the country’s electoral system.
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