Florence Tumuheirwe, Chief Executive Officer of Kigezi Women in Development (KWID), has raised concern over the credibility of Uganda’s upcoming 2026 general elections, warning that the situation could be worse than the highly contested 2021 polls.
Speaking during the popular Orukiiko Program aired every Saturday on a Kabale-based radio station, Tumuheirwe warned that Uganda risks a credibility crisis in the 2026 General Elections due to slow voter education efforts by the Electoral Commission (EC).
Tumuheirwe questioned why the EC has accredited only 51 organisations out of more than 100 applicants seeking to conduct voter sensitization, saying delayed approvals are stalling nationwide mobilisation.
Tumuheirwe called on the EC to immediately roll out a comprehensive national voter education strategy, implemented in partnership with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Local governments and cultural institutions, Political parties and the media and Women and youth groups
She stressed that voter education must start early and reach even rural and hard-to-reach communities, not just urban centres.
She warned that limited voter awareness leads to Low turnout and invalid votes, increased manipulation and vote-buying and election of leaders based on handouts rather than merit
Tumuheirwe urged the EC to fast-track accreditation and standardise voter education materials, saying only a coordinated effort can guarantee credible and participatory elections in 2026.
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Meanwhile, Medard Byamukama Nkamushaba, a political activist from Ntungamo District, echoed the call, asking residents to reject divisive politics. He appealed to the government to fund civil society organizations to lead civic education campaigns before the elections.
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In response, Rukiga Resident District Commissioner, Zaddock Kamusiime, emphasized the need for peaceful campaigns and urged residents in Kigezi to safeguard the stability achieved so far. He criticized opposition actors for undermining patriotism, which he described as essential for nurturing responsible leadership.
CUE IN RDC KAMUSIIME……ON THE MATTER…. RR//
