Election stakeholders in the Kigezi region have called for stronger protection of human rights and expanded civic education as Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections.
The concerns were raised on Thursday during the Kigezi Regional Dialogue on Elections and Human Rights, organized by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) at Volcano Hotel in Rubanda District.
The workshop aimed to strengthen public trust, safeguard human rights and clarify the role of the Electoral Commission in delivering peaceful and inclusive elections.
Participants noted that in previous election cycles, citizens’ rights were frequently violated by security agencies and other actors, often without accountability. Others pointed out that many voters remain unaware of their rights and obligations during the electoral process.
Kabale Chief Magistrate, Derrick Byamugisha, emphasized that voting is a constitutional right and urged relevant institutions to intensify voter education.
He reminded security agencies that their mandate is to facilitate, not disrupt, the electoral process and cautioned them against using coercive tactics.
Byamugisha added that strict adherence to electoral laws would help reduce post-election disputes and litigation.
Rubanda District Returning Officer, Medard Nteziyaremye, who delivered the keynote address, warned that mishandled elections can plunge a country into chaos.
He expressed concern over increasing character assassination among candidates, describing it as illegal, and cautioned security personnel against engaging in partisan politics.
Kick Corruption Out of Uganda (KICK-U) Executive Director, Robert Byamugisha Kakuru, accused some religious leaders of soliciting money from politicians in exchange for access to church pulpits, a practice he said fuels sectarian politics.
He also alleged that some clergy negotiate payments to openly campaign for political candidates. Kakuru urged government to introduce spending limits for candidates to curb the commercialization of elections.
Journalist Isaac Naboth Niwagaba from Kabale expressed concern about persistent brutality against journalists by security personnel, noting that offending officers are rarely held accountable.
He also criticized the use of the Computer Misuse Act to intimidate and silence journalists. Niwagaba said he had never witnessed the level of money circulating in politics as seen in the 2025–2026 campaigns.
Senior citizen and former Ministry of Health Commissioner, Dr. Francis Runumi, decried growing patronage and sectarian politics, which he said have been reinforced by some religious institutions.
He argued that widespread poverty leaves many citizens vulnerable to vote-buying, resulting in the election of incompetent leaders.
Rubanda Assistant Returning Officer, Godfrey Arinaitwe, attributed the rise of identity-based politics to politicians who make selective donations to religious institutions, thereby sowing division.
The Director of Kigezi Orphans and Vulnerable Children Living with HIV/AIDS, Amos Tugumisirize, observed that government has neglected civic education for marginalized groups such as the Batwa, leaving them either disengaged from voting or vulnerable to manipulation.
Kabale District Returning Officer, Aisha Nansubuga, reminded the public that accepting bribes in exchange for votes is illegal and punishable by law.
Rev. Ronald Ngabirano, Parish Priest of All Saints Church Rubanda, criticized state agencies for harassing citizens over their speech despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
He also faulted some media houses for unfair reporting on certain candidates and defended clergy who participate in politics, arguing that they too have rights as citizens.
Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, Elly Maate, dismissed allegations of targeted brutality against journalists, insisting that police only act on complaints filed against individuals.
The Head of UHRC Kabale Regional Office, Theopista Twembi, noted that while the Commission routinely conducts community sensitization meetings, their efforts are often hindered by high levels of alcoholism among community members.
Kigezi Regional Police Commander, Alex Wawire, reaffirmed that citizens’ rights must be respected at all times and emphasized that arrests should only be made when justified.
He stressed that all security agencies must uphold human rights throughout the electoral process.
